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Sunday 15 June is Fathers’ Day and as usual, FMM will be having a special day at the museum including free entry for dads and – weather permitting – an open air display plus demonstration runs and engine rev-ups with selected cars from the collection. The Deli will be on hand with a selection of culinary delights. Rides on the new charabancs through the vineyards will also be available. WH
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All-new displays at FMM include a display of BMC vehicles – MG TD, Austin-Healey 100/4, Wolseley 15/60, Mini Cooper and MG B – a line-up of Model T Fords from 1911 to 1926 and a celebration of Chryslers and De Sotos from 1926 to 1936. Alfa Romeos make a popular return – 6C 2500 SS, 1900 SS, Giulietta Spider, 1750 GTV and Montreal. WH
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Sad to hear about the passing at the age of 88, of Sir John Arthur ‘Jack’ Brabham, OBE, aged 84, one of the most distinguished drivers of the post-war era. He was F1 champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966, was the founder of the Brabham racing team and was a race car constructor.
Brabham started racing midget cars in 1948 and his successes led to his going to the UK to further his racing career. There he became part of the Cooper racing team, building as well as racing cars and contributed to the design of the mid-engined cars that Cooper introduced to F1 and the Indy 500. In 1962 he established the Brabham racing team with fellow Australian Ron Tauranac, which became the largest manufacturer of customer racing cars in the world in the 1960s. In 1966 Brabham became the first – and still the only – man to win the F1 world championship driving one of his own cars.
He raced in the South African GP in 1962 (4th), 1965 (8th), 1967 (6th), 1968 (retired), 1969 (retired) and 1970 – his swansong season – when he finished first.
Gentleman Jack was born 2 April 1926 in Hurstville, a suburb of Sydney in Australia. He was married twice, in 1951 to Betty with whom he had three sons, David, Geoff and Gary, and in 1995 to Margaret. The three boys followed in their father’s wheel tracks and all entered racing carers. He retired to Australia at the end of 1970 and bought a farm and maintained business interests, which included the Engine Developments raceengine company and several garages.
He is pictured here in 1966 at the SA launch of the movie Grand Prix (in which he appeared in a non-credited role) with Miss South Africa Joan Carter. MM
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FMM was recently visited by two large contingents of modern-car enthusiasts belonging to clubs with iconic names – Mini and Golf. Over 30 immaculate Issigonis Minis arrived and they made quite a feature in the parking area. The Mini Owners Club was welcomed with coffee and tea followed by a walk through the museum during which they were surprised to see FMM’s 1964 Mini Cooper 1000 on display in Hall C – they were absolutely thrilled. Ten modern day Minis joined the visit, adding to the atmosphere.
Then we had a surprise visit from the VW GTI Club as part of a breakfast run during which FMM was a pit stop. The cars filled three parking bays and caught other visitors’ attention! Erica accompanied the gathering on a guided tour through the museum, followed by lunch at, appropriately, our PitStop Deli. Smiles all round despite the inclement weather. NM
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Dickon Daggitt has confirmed that the Oily Rag Run for pre-1960 unrestored cars will take place on Sunday 14 September, starting early/mid-morning in central Cape Town and ending early afternoon with lunch at Franschhoek. Entries so far include a 1932 Lagonda, 1934 Ford and a 1958 Austin-Healey. For further details and entry applications, e-mail dickon@worldonline.co.za. DD
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STRAIGHTENING OUT THE AUBURN’S EIGHT
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In last month’s newsletter in the item about the 1936 Auburn, I stated that “the original engine (was) sent to Antonio’s Engine Rebuilders in Paarl for a rebuildâ€. While this statement is correct, the motor was subsequently forwarded to Basticks Engine Rebuilders in Strand Street, Woodstock for further refurbishment and it was they who were finally responsible for the 852 Speedster’s blown straight-eight now smooth-running performance. My apologies for this omission. In fact, Basticks regularly carry out engine overhauls for the museum and is one of FMM’s preferred service providers. By the way, the full story of the Auburn is featured in the June/July issue of Classic & Performance Car Africa. MM
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Just after getting back from the rejuvenated Knysna Simola Hillclimb, which now has a three-year Jaguar sponsorship, while sorting out a gift of old racing memorabilia this fascinating photo emerged taken at the May 1930 Muldersdrift Hillclimb. Certainly looks a far cry from the Knysna event but with spectator interest just as enthusiastic. Question is: What make of car is sideways on? Reply to mike4m@telkomsa.net. Answer next month…
Incidentally, the 2014 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb was dominated by Franco Scribante in his 1971 Team Gunston Chevron B19-Cosworth BDG, who not only won Classic Friday to become Classic Conqueror but blitzed all the modern opposition to take the King of the Hill crown as well – with a new climb record time nogal! MM
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EXHAUST BLIPS
The June/July issue of Classic & Performance Car Africa magazine carries features on two of FMM’s vehicles, the recently renovated 1936 Auburn Speedster and the Jeep Wagoneer, a model credited with pioneering the SUV market. MM
TopCar magazine is currently running a series of articles on historic South African race circuits. East London was the first to be featured, part 1 was in the May issue and part 2 is in the current June edition. Alexandra Park and Roy Hesketh will appear in the July issue, with other circuits to follow. MM
DATES TO DIARISE:
June 7 Crankhandle Club Swartland Rally shirlyh@vodamail.co.za
June 7 Historics Tour circuit racing (Round 3), Zwartkops
www.historicracing.co.za
June 8-12: Milligan Rally, Port Elizabeth johannesg@nedbank.co.za
June 14: Regional racing, Killarney www.wpmc.co.za
June 14: Vryheid Old Car Show, Lucas Meyer Primary School harvie@dalesvanheerden.co.za
June 21: Regional racing, East London - Carol Radloff 0834112866
June 21: Inland Championship circuit racing, Phakisa, Free State
June 22: Crankhandle Club visit to Yesterday’s Heroes museum, Somerset West
July 5: National Super Series racing, East London
July 12: Historics Tour circuit racing (Round 4), Zwartkops www.historicracing.co.za
July 12: Regional racing, Killarney www.wpmc.co.za
July 19: Festival motor racing, Eastern Cape
July 20: CMMCS Christmas in July lunch, Hout Bay. Elize at gelliesplumbing@gmail.com
July 20: Scottburgh Classic Car Club show, Scottburgh Country Club www.scottburghclassiccarshow.co.za
July 26: Regional racing, Zwartkops - Elvene Coetzee 0823906016
(Clubs are invited to send details of upcoming events to mike4m@telkomsa.net for inclusion in Exhaust Blips.)
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WHERE, WHAT TIMES
AND HOW MUCH
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is situated on the L’Ormarins Estate along the R45 in the Franschhoek Valley in the Western Cape.
The opening hours are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admittance 15h00), and the museum is open on most public holidays
Admission prices are R60 adults, R50 pensioners, R30 children. An on-site delicatessen offers refreshments and A Rupert Wines can be enjoyed.
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