Simple Pleasures
Designed to be the most affordable and DIY-friendly sports car you could buy at the end of the 1950s, the Austin Healey Sprite’s disarming styling and involving drive saw it become an unlikely success on both sides of the Atlantic and spawn the iconic 1960s MG Midget in the process. This original Dublin example has just been beautifully restored after many decades off the road.
Six Appeal
Although practically unheard of on this side of the Atlantic, the engine conversions offered by the Funk Aircraft Company in Kansas for the Ford N-Series tractor were steady sellers in the late 1940s and early 1950s, before Ford’s own tractors improved to the point that rendered these conversions unnecessary. Tom Brownrigg’s 1948 8N is the only Funk conversion we’ve come across on this island.
Roll With The Punches
When Neil Fraser bought this 1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp in 2016 as his first rebuild project he’d certainly jumped in at the deeper end of the restoration hobby, with a solid 3.5 years of work and expense in store before it would make its triumphant debut at his local show in Shrule. Looking at it today, it was worth the effort.
Wheeler Dealer
The lockdowns of the last year and a half have taught many of us what a happy refuge our garages can be, away from the worries of the world outside. Victor Wheeler’s workshop is a shrine to two-wheeled motoring, and the Norton marque in particular.
Iron Curtain Call
When asked to choose a classic pickup or four-wheel-drive you might think of a Ford P100, a Mini, a Land Rover or a Toyota. Either way, the Dacia Shifter or Duster are unlikely to be models which spring to mind, and makes Nigel Moore’s pairing all the more unusual.
Regulars
News & Events The latest developments from all over Ireland and abroad.
Diary Dates The most comprehensive list of upcoming events in Ireland.
Your Letters Have your say and get it off your chest; this is your place to say what you really think.
Q&A Each month we pitch a motoring question at Irish Vintage Scene’s regular contributors.
Laid to Rust A monthly pictorial of vehicles that are rusting away in the peace of our countryside.
Past Times Ireland’s best-known motoring historian, Bob Montgomery looks back at motoring and motoring events in the early days.
Tales from Over the Water Clare-man PJ Francis shares with us his old vehicle adventures in the United States.
On The Spanners A look at the restoration projects going on in sheds all over the island.
Retrospect A page of old and nostalgic motoring photos sent in by our readers.
Classifieds Looking for a classic? Well this is Ireland’s only dedicated marketplace.
Behind the Wheel Dick Byrne looks back at his memories of motoring in the last century.
