Austin Ten
Drivers Club
Austin Ten |
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Drivers Club |
The ATDC National Rally 2009 was held at an accessible location set in great countryside and included all our favourite ingredients:- Friday night dinner and quiz, a scatter run and treasure hunt on quiet backroads, Saturday evening barbecue, driving tests and pride of ownership judging on Sunday, and autojumble stalls open over the weekend. A "Top Notch" National.
Scroll down for the full pictures.
Oyez! Oyez! ATDC National at Whitchurch 24-26 July 2009
We all know what happened to the promised Barbecue Summer.
But we did not let it spoil our enjoyment of a great National.
Friday night at the National is the opportunity to dress up Thirties style and dine with friends from around the country.
This year the theme was 1934 the year of the introduction of the Lichfield.
The competition is on a table by table basis.
Players at the winning table managed to sneak out between courses to count the number of slats in the radiator grill of their Lichfield
Some answers included information shown elsewhere on this website. Must be right then!
Bring your Blackberries next year?
Roman coins, pottery and burial urns, which can be seen in the local museum, indicate that there was a settlement at Whitchurch at least 1800 years ago. The Romans called it Mediolanum. Today Whitchurch is a pleaseant mellow market town, with buildings dating from the 16th and 17th Centuries.
The earliest known church at Whitchurch was build in 10th century by King Alfred's daughter, Queen Ethelfleda. She dedicated it to her great-great-grandfather St Alkmund. When the family business is "Ruling" it is a good idea to make use of any existing brand loyalty.
The Saxon church was replaced in 14C by another building in white stone - said to give the town its present name. That building collapsed on 31 July 1711 just after the congregation had departed after Evensong. A painting of the famous "White Church" can be seen in the vestry of the present church.
In the church lies the body of John Talbot - 1st Earl of Shewsbury - killed in 1453 aged nearly 70 fighting at Castillion. Only 12 years later the French chronicler Matthew d'Escoucy wrote "Such was the end of this famous and renowned English leader who for so long had been one of the most formidable thorns in the side of the French, who regarded him with terror and dismay ".
The guide books tell the romantic tale that his dying wish was for his heart to be buried in his hometown of Whitchurch. The more brutal truth is that he was killed by an axe blow to the head - proved by the Victorians who dug up his bones to examine his split scull - so he is unlikely to have had the opportunity for any dying words.
Sir Edward German, composer of "Merrie England", and Randolph Caldecott, Victorian illustrator, are both linked to Whitchurch.
The clockmaker J B Joyce is said to be the oldest firm in the clockmaking business having been founded in 1690.
The Saturday treasure hunt provided a choice of places to visit which spread Austins out into the countryside.
This also gave an opportunity
to visit places and entertainments off-route - such as garden centres.
Moreton Saye was tiny and quiet - until the Austins turned up - only a groundsman mowing the churchyard to disturb the quiet tranquility.
Tilstock was bursting with visitors to the village fete - silver band and vintage tractors included.
Hanmer was in Wales - just - with all the signs in both languages.
Wrenbury cum Frith was as picturesque as the name - as you can see from pictures here.
At the Secret Bunker you had a choice of clues. Inside or Outside.
Hanmer
Looking for clues at the Secret Bunker
A popular choice with the lads was inside the "Secret Bunker".
Not so secret now.
A pleasant sunny day and quiet roads added to the enjoyment.
And some unexpected sights along the way.
The Saturday evening barbecue - "We supply the heat you supply the meat" - is popular with National Eventers.
Fortunately the dry weather of the day continued into the evening.
A good chance to gather together and swap tales of the events of the day and to complain about the difficult treasure hunt clues.
The beer is a safety requirement - in case of fire.
It is difficult to imagine the impact the Lichfield must have had when it was first revealed in August 1934. The flat radiator with its elegant nickel or chrome surround had been an Austin trade-mark for nearly 30 years. The Lichfield was a dramatic change in appearance for Austin.
In reality the changes were few. Clever revision of a few pressings gave the car a makeover that provided a more modern and streamlined look. Giving the Ten a name for the first time was also a subtle sales pitch. Previously only the bigger more expensive Austin cars had names. Changing most of the models at the same time provided a new brand image that embraced the Lichfield. The Ten remained distinctively an Austin.
The new shape was easier to clean and polish. No change was made to the interior accommodation but the drop down luggage lid looks sturdier than the old. The Lichfield was mechanically much the same as the old Ten but a major improvement was synchromesh on second gear, and improved synchromesh on third and top. Austin advertising stressed the ease of gear changes for lady drivers - a growing sector of the market.
The Lichfield combined up-to-date good looks and ease of driving with the traditional Austin virtues of reliability, easy maintenance and low running costs.
No wonder it was a success.
The Austins are separated into Classes for judging. These are based on the model, its age, and style.
As an example - Class 4 is "Larger than 10hp - chrome radiator models". This class covers a wide range of Austin types from 12 to 20hp made in the period 1931 to 1934
This years "Birthday Celebration" car was the Lichfield. Introduced in August 1934. It was the first of the cowled radiator Tens - Class 2. Other models in this class include the Colwyn, Clifton, and Sherborne.
The very best cars - previous winners in their own class - are separated into a class of their own - Class 7.
A points-based judging system is used and enables anyone to be a judge without having to be an expert. You can enter your car in one class and do your bit to help by judging another class.
The system used has been published in the Magazine several times - and can be obtained from the Admin Secretary. Consulting it members can maintain and restore their cars to achieve best results in the judging.
The system encourages the maintenance of original features or restoration to near original condition. An original car with patina can compete on fair terms with a completely restored model.
And where do the Sports models fit in? Usually by date. Hence this early 1934 Lt12 Sports saloon is in Class 4.
Or a well-made special?
There are few Ten or Twelve based specials because unlike the Seven there was no equivalent to the 750 Formula races.
This elegant looking sporting special - below - is based on a Cambridge.
Are designed to suite cars of all sizes without fear or favour.
The skill is in judging distances as well as speed.
The notorious Austin "in or out" clutch and lack of synchromesh make it interesting.
To win the Challenge Trophy you must do well in the driving tests and have the car score highly in the judging.
To take part in both requires multi-tasking skills and good timing to avoid having to be in two places at once.
Which may explain why the ladies did well this year.
We like to be able to buy and sell things at the National. The Autojumble stalls provide the opportunity. It is possible to borrow the part you want to buy and compare it with your car - or a similar one on the rally field - all within a few minutes.
You cannot do that at Beaulieu!
Class1
To come all the way from Germany and still not get the Long Distance Trophy must feel a bit like coming second
in the 100 metres to "Lightning" Bolt.
Better luck next time!
The web address across the back of the car is of a classic-car group in Bocholt. It has some good photos too.
Left hand drive Tens are rare. I have seen two in Holland (one in a museum) and a third one from Switzerland at the Austin Centennial. This one from Finland is the fourth. All chrome rads.
Decided on the basis of members votes - the car most people would like to own themselves - the Regional Shield was awarded to the Kempton Sports Saloon. So we make no apologies for including more photographs of this rare car.
The interior view shows off the Bluemels sourced "Brooklands" wire-spoked steering wheel which was a standard feature on Austin Sports models.
Under the bonnet we can see the long 6 cylinder Light 12 engine. The tubular air intake manifolds and the shield - not an air filter - over the downdraught carburettor are visible signs of the tuning given by Austin to the Sports engines.
By way of a change - and because of the rain - the prize-giving was held inside the Whitchurch RFC clubhouse.
A popular move although there was standing
room only at the back.
A list of results was included in the September 2009 issue of the ATDC magazine. In case you missed it, here they are again.
| CLASS | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class 1 10/4 Chrome Rad |
Norman Vingoe ED7741 1933 2 seat & dickey Entry 105 |
David Lawson FJ 9128 1933 2 seat & dickey Entry 101 |
Steward Holbeche VE9657 1933 Saloon Entry 118 |
| Class 2 10/4 Cowled Rad |
Mervyn Hoyle BXA 733 1935 Lichfield Entry 209 |
Peter Malgaren AOR 586 Open Road tourer Entry 208 |
Barry Hyde BOD 262 1936 Sherborne Entry 218 |
|
Class 3 10hp Cambridge type |
David Hylins EXA 989 1938 Cambridge Enry 301 |
||
| Class 4 12/4 - 20/6 Chrome Rad |
Keith Smith DE 4572 16/6 Burnham Entry 408 |
Graham Cox VJ 4001 16/6 Iver Entry 401 |
Tim Hildich TH 7104 Lt12/6 Kempton Entry 411 |
| Class 5 12 - 28hp Cowled Rad |
Granville Angell DKJ 973 1936 18/6 Chalfont Entry 502 |
John Knight BOX 714 1936 20/6 Mayfair Entry 513 |
David James FLC 176 1938 12hp New Ascot Entry 514 |
| Class 6 Alligator bonnet type 8-16hp 1939-48 |
Dan Jenkins FYE 947 1939 10hp GQC tourer Entry 703 |
||
| Class 7 - Midland Trophy Previous Winners |
Steve Pocock YG 3364 1933 10/4 saloon Entry 705 |
Mike Howell CRB 151 1936 10/4 Ripley Entry 701 |
Phil Brown BNM 411 1937 10hp Cambridge |
| Class 8 - Commercials All h.p. 10-28hp 1931-1939 |
Tony Mealing BMO 441 1938 Lt12/4 Truck Entry 801 |
Bob Glenister SJ 848 Lt12/4 Truck Entry 802 |
|
| Class 9 - Jim Richardson Associate Award Other Austins (Vintage, 7hp e.t.c) | Ron Owen RO 9263 1928 12hp Clifton Entry 904 |
| CLASS | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Tests - Gents | Bob West | Chris Charles | David Charles |
| Driving Tests - Ladies | Heather Poulton | Brenda Johnson |
| AWARD | WINNER |
|---|---|
| 10/4 Challenge Cup | Bob West in AYU 596 two-seat & dickey tourer, Entry 103 |
| 12-28 Challenge Cup | Heather Poulton in GS 6103 Lt 12/6 Open Road tourer, Entry 507 |
| AWARD | WINNER |
|---|---|
| Chairman's Award 2009 His choice of Lichfield style car |
William de Hamel - AON 925 - 1935 Colwyn cabriolet - Entry 221 |
| Fred Pace Memorial Trophy (Best 2 seater & dickey) |
Norman Vingoe - ED 7741 - 1933 10/4 - Entry 105 |
| Light 12 Shield | Arthur Pemberton - GS 6103 - 1936 Lt12/6 Open Road - Entry 507 |
| Longbridge Shield Judged on a different element each year 2009 - windscreen, windows and sidescreens | Mervyn Hoyle - BXA 733 - 1935 Lichfield - Entry 209 |
| Regional Shield Members vote for the car they would like to own | Tim Hilditch - TH 7104 - 1934 12/6 Kempton Sports saloon - Entry 411 |
| Gary Ward Memorial Trophy Saturday Scatter Run & Treasure Hunt ATDC Member in Club-eligible car | Marvellous Mumfords in JR 3043 - 1935 Lichfield - Entry 206 |
| Everyday Shield Awarded by Tony & Rebecca Mealing to the best car in everyday use | Anne Mosscrop - GY 3536 - 1932 10/4 - Entry 112 |
| Longest Distance (Great Britain) | Mike Howell (268 miles) CRB 151 - 1936 Ripley sports tourer - Entry 702 |
| Longest Distance (Overseas) | Juha Saliminen (Finland) AUS 10 - 1933 10/4 Sedan (lhd) - Entry 125 |
| Worst Breakdown | Phil Taylor - OY 7180 - 10/4 Cabriolet - Entry 106 |
It was a long journey home for some.
Many of us chose to stay another night.
That meant another meal. Either an informal dinner in a country pub
or a curry, Chinese or Italian meal in Whitchurch.
Your choice.
The club aims to provide "Top Notch Rugby" in Whitchurch, to be fun and sociable.
They certainly helped us to have fun and be sociable.
We liked Whitchurch. Can we go back in 2011?
© ATDC Ltd