Category Archives: Contributors

Of Women…and Ferraris

This past week an email came through my box that I just had to share. After showing a few fellow car friends, I quickly realized I had stumbled upon a piece of writing that was likely to hit home with every car enthusiast. Whether male of female, if you cherish a vehicle in your collection you can probably relate. The personal, and open nature of the email is what sets it apart from so many. Not only can we relate, but truthfully we can all learn from this too.

The discussion originally started on another event’s email list. One of the members posted to say his Ferrari would be participating for the last time, and he was likely to sell it. A brief discussion on the Ferrari ensued, and then the real truth behind it’s ‘retirement’ came out. The Italian machine was heading to storage, as his wife wasn’t too pleased about the latest purchase…another Ferrari. It was then that Scott Fisher joined the conversation. Whether your garage hosts a collection of Ferrari’s, or simply dreams of a $500 project, you will probably relate to his words. Hopefully, we all learn from them too.

…So a whole slew of years ago, I rode along with a buddy looking at a car he wanted to buy.  His girlfriend was riding along with us, I was in the back seat and we were talking about the car all the way to the seller’s house; she was silent — not exactly an icy silence, at least not until viewed in retrospect.

Well, it was a smoking deal — won’t go into the details (and of course, names changed to protect the guilty and all that) — and he bought it.

And I was then forced to witness the most humiliating chewing-of-a-new-orifice that I had EVER, and have ever SINCE, beheld a woman giving to the man she was supposedly in love with.  It was embarrassing, not only because of the specific and minuscule nature of the demands she made (“and would it KILL you if ONCE in a while you wore a shirt with BUTTONS?”), but because it was being performed in front of a third party.

We rode back to their place, I got in my MGB and headed back home.  On the way I stopped at the local Safeway and picked up a bottle of chilled champagne, my wife’s favorite beverage.  I walked in; she was sitting at the table doing some art or craft, and smiled at me as I approached her.  When I held out the champagne, she beamed.

“For me?” she asked.  “What’s the occasion?”

“Because you’re not Sue,” I said (not her actual name).  I explained the evening, and she just shook her head sadly.

Kim (my wife’s actual name) got many a bottle of champagne over the next 20 years.  Whenever a guy said he couldn’t buy a car because his wife would kill him, I’d be there.  Whenever a woman handed a guy a list of things to do before he could leave the house, I’d be there.  Whenever I’d read a Craigslist ad where a guy was selling his Jensen-Healey to buy a Honda Odyssey because they were expecting their first child, I’d be there.  I’d be all around them in the dark.

Kim passed away suddenly last June, a few days before our 31st anniversary.  Our own daughter even gave me grief for the car I purchased as Kim’s memorial — not coincidentally, a Ferrari, which is what prompted this outpouring.

So goodbye, Kim. I miss you like meat misses salt, and I owe you a posthumous bottle of champagne because our daughter isn’t YOU.

And neither is anyone else.

But it leaves me in a position that is enviable in at least one way.  I’ve faced the worst thing in my life and survived.  So If I ever lapse into a relationship with a woman again, and she gives me the least bit of grief for ANYTHING car related, I’ll have the strength to quietly start putting her shoes in a bag and never speak to her again.

Because if what my friends have had to endure is any indication, there appears to be a never-ending parade of controlling, joy-killing women in the world, but there’s only a finite number of Ferraris.

I’m just saying.

–Scott Fisher

Scott's 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2

Vancouver All British Meet this weekend

Jaguar E-types at the 2009 Vancouver ABFM (Photo: Warwick Patterson)

One of the big local early-season events for classic car fans, and British classics in particular, is the Vancouver All British Field Meet. Held in the lush Van Dusen Gardens, this is a great gathering, offering up a wide selection of drool-worthy machinery. The 2010 edition will be celebrating British-built Fords, plus the Jaguar E-type which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

This annual celebration of the British motorcar and motorbike is the largest of its kind in Western Canada, with more than 5,000 attendees and 600 cars and motorbikes displayed at the beautiful VanDusen Garden on Saturday May 22, 2010. The garden setting, brass band music, piper, concessions, swap meet, artists gallery and vendor booths all complement the wonderful display of cars and bikes.

2009 Vancouver ABFM (Photo: Warwick Patterson)

New this year, Hagerty Collector Car Insurance, the world’s leading provider of collector vehicle insurance will be on site to present a series of seminars called “Cars That Matter “ – focusing on the past 25 years of British classic car values – on the Great Lawn at VanDusen Gardens. This series is no cost to show attendants and will run at scheduled intervals throughout the day.

The Cars That Matter sessions will be conducted by Dave Kinney, arguably one of North Americas most knowledgeable collector car experts. Kinney is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and has over thirty-five years experience in various aspects of the special interest, antique, classic and production vehicle areas of the market.

In addition to the Hagerty’s Cars That Matter series Hagerty will be encouraging Vancouver’s youth to get involved at the show through their Operation Ignite! Connecting Kids with Cars initative by hosting their signature Youth Judging Program. A joint initiative with the ABFM to help ensure the future of the collector vehicle hobby, young people under the age of 18 will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of judging a cross section of classics on the field including those cars entered in the Young Timers class for owners under the age of 25.

The youth program will be conducted by Tabetha Salsbury, Hagerty’s Youth Program coordinator who has a degree in Automotive Restoration from McPherson College, McPherson Kansa. Parents and Grandparents of young people seventeen and under should contact show organisers to reserve a place for their young enthusiasts in this interesting free program.

“In addition to our recent announcement of offering Collector Car Insurance to Canadian markets we are eager to share our other resources with car enthusiasts in Canada”, says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance.

“Dave Kinney’s expertise with collector car values and our Youth Judging program provides reasons the entire family can take away valuable insights from the show.”

Hagerty’s Operation Ignite! “Connecting Kids with Cars” is a suite of programs designed to grow the interest of the hobby among young people through interactive events including Youth Judging, Young Designers Contest, Scale Model-building Contest, Kid friendly Car Show Kit, Motorsport Paddock Tours and a youth -oriented website. Through these programs, young people will gain hands-on experience that will increase the education of and enthusiasm for collector automobiles, boats and tractors.

See you on Saturday!

Volvo so good it couldn’t be true, but it was

Not only was he our trusty sweep driver for the 2010 Spring Thaw, Nigel Matthews is also a regular contributor to Vancouver daily newspaper, The Province. This article appeared online and on Page C21 in the Friday, May 7th edition.

Click for Larger Version

The three-day 2010 Spring Thaw Adventure tour along the scenic route from Hope to Squamish, via Osoyoos, Sun Peaks and the Duffy Lake road, attracted around 65 classic cars from all over B.C., Alberta, Oregon, Washington and one from as far afield as Lake Worth, Florida.

Last weekend’s run, staged by classicaradventures.com,featured some wonderful automotive gems — Aston-Martin, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Datsun, Fiat, Intermeccanica, Jensen-Healey, Lancia, Lotus, MG, Mini, Mercedes, Opel, Pontiac, Porsche, Rover, Saab, Triumph, Volvo and Volkswagen.

One of the Volvos caught my eye, it belongs to John Chattin-McNichols, of Seattle, he spotted the 1967 Volvo 144S on Craigs List for an asking price of $500. He asked all the usual questions of the seller, using his knowledge of the particular model’s, shall we say, peculiarities. Queries relating to such matters as rust and that vinyl dashboard top, which has a tendency to crack? The owner responded in the negative to each question and stated: “It’s in mint condition”.

Chattin-McNichols was now becoming a little agitated, thinking he was getting the usual exaggerated sales talk. Knowing that most Volvo rear seats of that age are often in poor condition he asked the final question. “Hang on, I will look,” said the seller. A few moments later the out of breath owner, returned to the phone: “Perfect . . . I don’t think they have even been sat on”.

The only downside was a fuel tank full of pinholes; a simple fix.

Photo: Tony Latham

The 144 series was the first of the boxy body style Volvos to us the tridigit nomenclature that designated a series 1-four-cylinder-four-door, the “S” model was fitted with the more powerful B18B engine used in the 1800S sports car.

Small numbers of this model made their way to North America. This example was a factory delivery car, meaning that the original owner took delivery of it at the factory in Sweden, drove it around Europe and then had it delivered to the USA. It still had the decal indicating this on the side glass

The 144S had spent the last 18 years in storage, its original female owner had given it to her son and he had little interest in using it, so he did not.

Photo: Tony Latham

A 1966 Volvo 1800S owned by Irvin Gordon of East Patchogue, New York, USA holds the Guinness world record for the highest mileage in a Volvo, using the same engine as Chattin-McNichols 144S. Gordon has driven it for more than 40 years. It has covered 2.7 million miles and the owner is now targeting the three million mile mark.

Nigel Matthews is the sales and marketing executive for Hagerty Canada– hagerty.canmatthews@hagerty.com

© Copyright (c) The Province

The Spring Thaw Effect

By Warwick Patterson

Over the past few days I’ve been trying to write a concise wrap-up article about this year’s Spring Thaw Adventure, but it has been difficult for several reasons. First, as an organizer, the days of planning, preparing, and participating merge together into one blur and my experience becomes very different from a participant’s. That said, there are moments over the three days that stand out in my mind and make me realize why I love classic cars and why its important for people to get out and drive them.

When Dave and I decided to boost the numbers up to 60 cars from the 42 we had in 2009, we didn’t think much of it. It made for slightly more work in the hotel and restaurant department, but otherwise nothing really changed. We knew we were onto something special when the 2010 event sold out in the span of a week, but it was humbling to step up onto the bench in Hope, BC to address over 120 participants. This had become something much more than just going for a drive in the country with crazy friends!

“

Driver's Meeting, Hope, BC. Photo: Lee Pederson

The general public and governments dismiss ‘old’ cars as things that pollute our streets and should be scrapped to help stimulate a false economy. And yet, here was a group of people ready to strap in and drive the snot out of their ‘clunkers’ for the pure art and enjoyment of driving. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as car after beautiful car rolled past to the start line and took off on their adventure. A big thanks to the town of Hope for the red carpet roll-out, especially Inge at the Visitor Centre, Victor of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor, Laurie French.

Hope Mayor, Laurie French, and Chamber President, Victor Smith, wave off the competitors at the start.

Sometimes our event plans are tested in advance and we know they will work. Other ideas look good on paper and we have to leave it in the hands of Mother Nature and the local hosts to make it a success. Such was the case with our Friday lunch stop at See Ya Later Ranch winery. On the pre-runs it seemed to be a nice venue, the manager owned a Sunbeam Alpine, and they were keen to host our group. “Make it so!” we said, and a couple weeks later, sixty cars rolled into the vineyard. The sun came out, a bag lunch was provided, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! From my perspective, hurdle number one had been surpassed but there was still two days to go. During the event, I live in perpetual fear of finding out I’ve confused my rights and lefts when composing the routebook!

Cars parked for lunch at See Ya Later Ranch winery. Photo Warwick Patterson.

Sandwiches and Scenery at See Ya Later Ranch

One of the highlights of the weekend for me was at the first photo location on Saturday, at a small one-lane bridge leading to Black Sage Road in the heart of wine country. The first car to appear was the 1953 Aston Martin DB2 followed closely by the ex-Carrera Panamericana Alfa Giulia TI. After crossing the bridge they both accelerated in unison up the hill and across the ridge, sending their refined roar across the valley. I felt a twinge of pride, knowing that Dave and I helped bring these two cars together on that road to be enjoyed as they were meant to be – at full song on a twisty ribbon of tarmac.

This is one limit the 1953 Aston Martin DB2 won't be breaking.

One of the more common stories Dave and I heard over the weekend, is how the Spring Thaw created a hard deadline for a project. An engine rebuild or restoration that perhaps would drag on all summer, suddently gets an injection of urgency. There were many cars in pieces just months and weeks – and, indeed, days – before the event. Our Spirit of the Thaw award went to Duncan and Kirk Cowen in their V6-swapped MGA. Duncan was still trying to get the motor to fit in January and at 12:05am the day of the Spring Thaw the car roared to life for the first time and they hit the road. Better yet, they ran with the top down through sun, rain, hail, and snow the whole weekend. I’m not even sure the car had a top! These are the sorts of insane people the ‘Thaw was intended for.

Duncan and Kirk Cowen won the Spirit of the Thaw award. Photo Warwick Patterson.

For the second year in a row, the entourage spent Saturday night at Sun Peaks Resort north of Kamloops. With ski season over, most of the restaurants and shops are closed, so finding somewhere to feed 130 people can be a challenge. The Delta Hotel said they could fit that many people, so we arranged for a meal there. It was only when I walked in the doors that I realized we were going to be in the ballroom! This was not right…first a winery stop and now a ballroom dinner? There goes our grassroots low-budget credibility!

Dinner at Sun Peaks Resort on Saturday. A slightly grander affair than expected!

'Parc Expose' in Sun Peaks, BC

To cap off the weekend of adventure, the cars headed over the Duffy Lake Road from Lillooet into Pemberton and finished in Squamish, BC. The Duffy is an amazing stretch of road, often used in car commercials, and takes you from dry, arid desert terrain over the mountains and back into the coastal rainforest. This time, Mother Nature gave us warning that perhaps our time was coming to an end, and she started throwing a few snow flakes into the mix at the top of the pass.

Minis take on the Duffy Lake Road

One of those moments that made me smile and remember why we do this event came on our run through the pass in the little Mini. It was like we were transported back in time and suddenly had been dropped into a European mountain range. As I vigorously stirred the 4-pot to stay in the power band and pitched the little Mini into the corners to keep up, ahead of us romped a Renault Gordini, an Alfa Sprint Veloce, and a gorgeous Alfa Giulia SS. As Dave Birchall said, “Who needs Mille Miglia!”

Like we've been transported back to Europe 1966. Gordini, Sprint Veloce, Giulia SS on the Duffy Lake Rd.

And so it was with cooked brakes and tired bodies we arrived in downtown Squamish for the finish. Even through the bitter wind and rain, everyone seemed to have a weary smile on their face. In a cruel twist of fate, the other half of the organizing duo arrived in the back of the Sweep truck. Dave’s motor had made an awful knock-knock-knock sound while leaving Sun Peaks in the morning and the the oil pressure light came on. At the final awards, Dave found himself accepting the The Hard Luck trophy that he had just built days before!  Another really fun trip with like-minded crazy car nuts was in the books. New friends, new cars to lust after, and best of all, we don’t have to start thinking about the next one for at least a couple more weeks!

Thanks to all our supporters and sponsors – Hagerty Collector Car Insurance, AVR Import Specialties, Dave Koszegi Realty, BringaTrailer.com, Classic Motorsports, Permatex, Lordco Auto Parts, Northwest Auto Salon, and the West Coast Rally Association for helping us put on the event. Most of all, a huge thank you to all the participants who came out with their fantastic cars. The people are what make this event so fun.

Triumph TR4 becomes a Dove

By Nigel Matthews

If you think the Dove looks like the Triumph equivalent of an MGB GT you would be absolutely correct, except it predated the latter by two years.

The Dove name derived from L.F. Dove and Co. of Wimbledon, a large Triumph dealership in London whose owner came up with the idea of building the car.

The exact number built is a mystery. But it is widely believed that Dove commissioned coachbuilder Thomas Harrington of West Sussex — the same people who built the Harrington Alpines — to build 100 examples.

Triumph Dove GTR4 - Flickr Photo: Rally Pix

Starting with a Triumph TR4, the craftsmen at Harrington removed the trunk lid, rear bulkhead, tonneau panel and gas tank. With these panels removed, Harrington fitted a full-length roof, rear hatch door, and end panel made out of fibreglass.

The fuel tank was moved into the spare wheel well with a filler neck and cap located in the end panel to the left of the licence plate.

The high roofline and relocated rear bulkhead and fuel tank made room for two rear seats that could seat two small children in relative comfort. With room for a weekend’s worth of luggage in a compartment below the rear hatch lid, the Dove had the makings of a practical family sports car.

The Triumph Italia, built in Italy by Vignale, is the only other Triumph from the ’60s that comes to mind as being this rare. Triumph Italia was built as a left-hand drive car and the chance of an Italia sighting in North America would be that much greater than spotting a right-hand drive Dove.

I am aware of only a couple of Doves in the U.S. and perhaps a maximum of 10 in Europe. Triumph thought that the stylish Italia posed a great threat to their sales market, so the solution was to stop the supply of rolling chassis to Vignale. History often has a habit of repeating itself. The Rootes Group (Sunbeam Alpine), which had a long relationship with Harrington, forced them to stop making the Triumph Dove.

When cars rode in wooden crates

By Nigel Matthews

Wooden shipping crates and automobiles date back to at least 1908.

Henry Ford was a firm believer in wasting nothing. He specified the type of wood and the dimensions of wood for use in the crates in which his suppliers shipped parts to his factories.

When the crates were empty, they were dismantled and wood was used in various areas of the Model T car he was manufacturing. Ford also produced charcoal from the waste wood under the brand name Kingsford — still a leading brand used today in the U.S. and Canada.

Ford Factory c.1914

Wooden crates and the shipping of automobiles from the U.K. led to Billy and Reggie Rootes venturing into the car-manufacturing business. They began taking control of struggling British car manufacturers and built a huge empire producing vehicles under the names Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot, Commer and Karrier.

In 1920, the Rootes brothers were the largest distributors of cars and trucks in Britain. Their U.K .distribution methods were so successful that they moved into worldwide distribution.

By 1927, 6,000 wooden crates were leaving their distribution centre located in Chiswick. The majority of British car manufacturers were using Rootes to export their products, living up to their advertising slogan “cars packed, shipped and delivered to all parts of the world.”

The practice of shipping cars in wooden crates continued until the mid-1960s.

In 1973, Japan’s K Line shipping company built the European Highway, the first roll on, roll off, (RORO) purpose-built car carrier capable of carrying 4,200 automobiles. Today’s car carriers are capable of carrying 8,000 vehicles.

K Line "Thames Highway" Car Carrier

If you look closely at the top image of the Morris Minor packaged and ready for shipping to Vancouver’s Fred Deeley Motors, you will notice that the wheels and tires were removed and placed inside the car to reduce the crate height.

Above the Morris in the picture, you can see the MG sports cars were low enough to leave on the wheels and tires.

Eye Candy: Ferrari 212

Our friend and fellow automotive journalist/enthusiast/cheerleader, Bill Lockwood, lives near a little slice of classic car heaven – Restoration & Performance Motorcars (rpmvt.com) in Vergennes, Vermont. He recently sent over some of his photographs of the gorgeous Ferrari 212 being restored there. Not only is the car a work of art, but their workshop itself is a fine example of where classic cars should live.

This early Ferrari 212 racecar 0086E won the Giro d’Sicilia and burned to the ground soon after. As the only 212 with this body type, it has been restored to exacting specifications by RPM. A Swiss agent working for Ferrari’s Heritage Group has certified it authentic – after some rather bizarre but period-correct modifications.

For instance, the 212 had some additional vents installed near the rear of the car closer to the end of its racing lifespan. Because these modifications were done to the car in the past, they had to be recreated now, even though the earlier version of the car was more aesthetically pleasing.

If you are wondering what a one of kind Ferrari is worth in this kind of condition, you probably aren’t in the buying demographic. It should fetch between $4.5 and $5 million at global auction.

These are pics of the car, just prior to receiving some finishing touches, like the leather straps to hold the hood down, etc.

The 212 will be tested at a racetrack in early March, in preparation for the trip to Italy to race the 2010 Mille Miglia that will take place from Wednesday, May the 5th (optional), to Sunday, May the 9th.

To see more about the 212 and other Ferrari Restorations, see the FerrariCraft blog at ferraricraft.com