– Gladstone vintage Cars

1961 Austin Healy Sprite

by Tubby

11961 Austin Healy Sprite  Owned by  Ian Sanderson and  Jill Mcleod. Gladstone. –

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      A Classic British Fun Car
The 1961 Austin Healey Sprite, specifically the Mark II model, is a charming and classic British sports car that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. Following the Frogeye Sprite, the Mark II made significant upgrades, maintaining the beloved 948 cc engine while incorporating enhanced features such as larger 1¼ inch SU carburetors. This upgrade resulted in a modest increase in power, bringing the output to 46.5 bhp, a performance boost that British drivers can truly appreciate.

One of the most notable changes was the transition from the iconic Frogeye styling, which featured headlights set atop the wings, to a more functional design. The headlights were repositioned for improved visibility, and their centred arrangement echoed the design seen in Land Rover models of the time. This new aesthetic modernised the Sprite and laid the groundwork for the future MGB model.

Despite its small engine, the 948 cc powerplant offered plenty of punch, making the Austin Healey Sprite an ideal vehicle for navigating Britain’s winding country roads. It provided an exhilarating driving experience for young couples eager for weekend getaways and picnics in the countryside during pleasant weather.

On a clear day, drivers could expect to reach speeds just over 80 miles per hour. However, maneuvering at those speeds required a certain level of driving skill, as cars from that era demanded competent handling. The 1961 Sprite combined spirited performance, an engaging driving experience, and affordability—making it a quintessential British fun car that remains a celebrated choice for classic car enthusiasts and collectors.

### Why the 1961 Austin Healey Sprite is a Must-Have for Collectors

– **Timeless Design**: The Sprite’s sleek lines and updated styling continues to turn heads today, making it an appealing classic car for collectors.
– **Engaging Driving Experience**: With its lightweight build and responsive handling, driving a Mark II Sprite is a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of British motoring.
– **Affordability**: Compared to many classic cars, the Austin Healey Sprite is relatively affordable, making it an accessible choice for new collectors.
– **Strong Community**: Joining the Austin Healey car clubs or attending events can help connect you with fellow enthusiasts and preserve the legacy of this iconic vehicle.

In conclusion, the **1961 Austin Healey Sprite** stands out not just as a fun car, but as a piece of automotive history. Its blend of charm, performance, and straightforward engineering makes it a beloved choice for anyone passionate about classic cars. Whether you’re looking to take it for country drives, join a classic car show, or enjoy the nostalgia it offers, the Sprite is an excellent addition to any collection.

Falcon Knight + Sleeve valve engine

by Tubby

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Owned by John and Mary Anne Smith

Restoring The Falcon Knight (The Seven Year Battle)

While on holidays at Killkoy John saw an advert in a paper for the Falcon, The Sleeve Valve Motor interested him. Mary Anne was a little confused about the logic of spending money on a car that did not go. But she had always loved old cars so she figured it would no hurt to ‘look’. So it was arranged that the car be brought up from Kilkoy on a trailer, and the Smiths towed it back to Gladstone. Mary Anne had a whimsical vision of the car being ‘done up a bit’ so that it could be driven and was not encouraged when the tray disappeared, and the car began to totally disassemble into a heap of pieces on the floor of the garage. Hours and days, weeks, months, and a year passed, scrubbing cleaning, removing rust, sandblasting. Mary Anne estimated it would be ready for Easter

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In effect a conventional engine except for the Valves Dual Sleeves – Two cylindrical metal sleeves, one within the other, sliding quietly up and down on a film of oil, provide perfect intake and exhaust passages as the port openings pass each other. This simple valve operation repeats itself without wear or  attention. Carbon accumulation seals compression.

What exactly is a sleeve valve engine anyway, you may ask
To begiwrn with, we recommend you forget about valves as there aren’t any. At least not in the sense of the familiar mushroom or “Poppet” type valves we have on most modern engines.  Pistons, yes. The regular type, operating from a crankshaft and connecting rods the same as a conventional internal combustion gasoline engine.

But then, inside the cylinder, between the piston and the cylinder wall, you have two perfectly machined and well fitting sleeves, one inside the other in a precision fit sliding up and down.

These sleeves are powered, by a another little crank-or-cam-shaft, with short connecting rods, one for each sleeve, to push them up and down. Cut into the sides of the sleeves are port holes, or slots, in such a manner that the sleeves slide up and down. The ports, match ports in the intake and exhaust manifolds in proper timing to act as valves. One side acting as the exhaust and the other as the inlet valve.

Another Easter, Another Easter. There is a lot of work restoring a car.
Having started out with an almost complete car the only parts made by John were the running boards, the valance panels, the front apron, the back of the front seat, a new dash, the shell of two back doors, and some mudguard repairs. Then all the woodwork was replaced, and a new fuel tank was made. Every last nut and bolt was pulled apart.
Mary Anne says for years nothing seemed to happen, there seemed to be a garage full of parts that moved around, got painted, then suddenly, she noticed that the engine had found its way back into the chassis.. At this point John hit a stumbling block. . . He had the chassis, running boards, radiator, mudguards and bonnet, but could not find a TUB. . . Along the grapevine John and Mary Anne heard there was a Falcon Knight out at Aramac that would not take much to get on the road, YES it had a tub. They left at 2am in the morning and headed for Aramac dragging the trailer. But they came home empty handed, the fellow would not sell them any of the useable pieces. It was certainly not in a shed, and was in ten times worse condition than the one they had.

Christmas 88, They found a tub that could be modified to fit some mudguards that were found near Bundaburg. Mary Anne reckons it was a lot easier than watching John trying to create a compound curve in a piece of metal.
It still took two years of work to repair, construct the timber and fit all the panels together. It had seats made and upholstered, (thanks to Bill Turner) doors repaired, Wiring done, and registered.
The hood came later. Dec 1998

1955 Morris Minor Ute

by Tubby

1Allan and Janet Jones        1955 Morris Minor Ute series 2

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Alan Jones picked up this little Ute from the original owner Mal smith in Gladstone, 1975.  Having parted with  $500 he became the proud owner of a complete car, and a bit of rust. As you can see from the photo’s since that time the car has been totally dismantled and  rebuilt.

Morris minor 1,00 Gearbox and Motor, Paint Acrylic Colour Monterey Green

30 mpg  – Registered and driven to work daily.

Above pic shows some new metal in the back half

1958 Morris Minor 1000 Ute.

by Tubby

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Ken Whittakers 1958 Morris Minor 1000 Ute.  Ken has had this vehicle for seventeen years and it is still putting in a good days work.  It is his Work Ute. Ken says he is the second owner, and he has the original Operators manual etc.

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This most loved of British cars was designed by Alec Issigonis toward the end of the Second World War.  His brief was to produce a small  family car capable of long production runs He came up with the Minor.  Independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, good road holding, easy low cost replacement parts and, above all economy and reliability made the car an instant success when it first came off the production line in 1948.  It remained unchanged except for an increase in engine power and small exterior details for the next 24 years.  The fact that it remains a desirable and useful everyday  car so many years is a tribute to the genius of Sir Alec Issigionis.

 

 

 

1954 Morris Minor

by Tubby

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1954 Morris Minor Series II Sedan

Fully restored and painted to its original Austral blue, the engine was completely rebuilt in 1999. The original Series II gearbox has been installed along with steel belt radial tyres, disk brakes, telescopic shocks (front), VW taillights, and halogen headlights. The interior has been fully relined with new door trims, hood linings, seat trims, and window rubbers. This car has been used daily for the last five years and has been very reliable.

 

 

A brief history of the Morris Minor

 

1919 Buick

by Tubby

1919 Buick

Craig and Cindy have owned this car for around ten years. When they first got it was in poor condition. Just a rolling chassis and a large pile of rusting panels, Craig says it was around 90% complete. Since that time the car has undergone a total restoration

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This Photo was taken at  Gladstone recently, so it clearly  travels well.

Buick was one of the earliest  car makes to understand  the  changing preference of car owners for enclosed cars.   This car  however  has a folding top.

1926 model T Ford

by Tubby

picture1owned by Peter Shannon Reprinted from ‘The Piston Broke’ Gladstone vintage and classic carriage club-  newsletter June 2001

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Hidden away in a shed at Peter Shannon’s place, where one has to climb a ladder to get a photo was this 1926 Model T Ford. Peter bought this late ‘T’ in 1964 from Falkener Motors in Gatton. The Original owner was from Murphy’s creek near Toowoomba, and decided it was time for a new Ford so he had taken the model T to part exchange on a Ford Anglia.. Peter says the T Ford came with wooden wheels. In 1926 wire wheels were an option. It changed in 1927 and wire 26-12wheels became the standard and wooden wheels became the option. . .My memory on what was said during conversations has been proven to be unreliable on many occasions, but I was fairly sure Peter told me that he replaced the wooden wheels with wire because they developed noises on rough roads, and it was not until I looked at the photos that I noticed the Ford still had wooden wheels on the front. . . Unless. The photo is wrong ? I expect we 26-21shall get a few emails from the web site telling us that wire wheels were not an option from someone in The US or Canada, but my own brief research tells me that there were varied dealer options around the world, and as this is an Australian sold Vehicle I shall except Peters word, he is a better authority than I will ever be. The car is not presently mobile as it has a broken Bearing. Peter says it currently has an earlier T model engine, but he has a 1926 engine that will be replacing the un-original one (when it has been rebuilt) to make the T ‘correct’ Unfortunately – (or quite possibly Fortunately- it was a great Rally ) The Mt. Morgan Rally was crammed with interesting places and things to do and the Stopover at Peters place was limited to a couple of hours, and members were rounded up By Bills Fire Truck with Siren blaring .; Kurrajong Jambin Qld 4202

 

1926 Model T Ford.**The 1926 Model T Ford: A Classic American Icon**

The Model T Ford, often referred to simply as the “Tin Lizzie,” holds a cherished place in automotive history as one of the most significant cars ever produced. Introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1908, the Model T revolutionized the automotive industry and changed the way Americans lived, worked, and traveled.

By the mid-1920s, the Model T had undergone several improvements and refinements, with the 1926 model marking one of the final years of production for this legendary vehicle. The Model T was built on principles of affordability and accessibility, aimed at the average American family. The 1926 version continued this legacy, featuring a simple yet robust design that was easy to repair and maintain.

**Design and Features**

The 1926 Model T Ford was characterized by its lightweight construction, which contributed to its fuel efficiency. It retained the flat, boxy body style that had become its hallmark, available in various configurations, including the popular touring car and the more utilitarian pickup truck. The engine was a four-cylinder powerhouse capable of producing around 20 horsepower, and it featured a planetary transmission that made it easier to drive.

One of the standout features of the 1926 Model T was its versatile chassis, which allowed for various body styles to be mounted. This flexibility made it a favorite among both families and businesses, as it could be adapted to meet different needs.

**Cultural Impact**

The Model T Ford is often credited with helping to shape modern America. Its affordability allowed millions of families to own a car for the first time, fundamentally altering social dynamics and expanding geographic mobility. As more people hit the roads, it facilitated the growth of suburbs and changed the landscape of cities across the nation.

Moreover, the Model T was central to the development of the American manufacturing industry. Henry Ford’s introduction of the assembly line in 1913 drastically reduced production costs and time, making it possible to produce vehicles at an unprecedented scale. This innovation had far-reaching effects beyond the automotive industry, influencing manufacturing processes in various sectors.

**Legacy**

Production of the Model T ended in 1927, after approximately 15 million units were built, cementing its status as the best-selling car of the era. Its impact on automotive design and manufacturing processes is still felt today. The 1926 Model T remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts and collectors, representing a pivotal moment in automotive history.

Today, the Model T Ford is celebrated not only for its historic significance but also for its timeless design and the role it played in shaping the modern world. Whether displayed in museums, featured in car shows, or lovingly restored by enthusiasts, the 1926 Model T Ford continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of new generations, embodying the spirit of American ingenuity and innovation.

 

1949 3 ton Ford

by Tubby

picture11949 3 ton Ford tray back truck   owned by John Nixon

With a lot of members out of town It is sometimes hard to gather together a collection to represent the Club at the annual Harbour Festival Parade. Jo49-1hn Nixon (we have met him several times through the Capricornia Branch of the Queensland Jaguar drivers Club) offered to fill a gap with his extremely attractive Ford 3 tonner. The Truck is pretty well original, all the serial numbers match etc. But it now runs on gas. With the side Valve V8 under the bonnet I do not suspect that John misses any loss of power. The Ford spent its life working on a Dairy farm in Bairnsdale, and John bought the truck when he needed a vehicle to complete a job he was working on, so it is good to see that the Ford is not just a display piece. . It still contributes to the work load . . . That’s what it was built for.
The 49 is Australian built (I am just saying that off the top of my head – presumption) and John has had to do very little restoration apart from replacing the old tyres

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Another under the bonnet photo of a Ford V8   – looking under the bonnet of Ford V8s is becoming quite a pastime for club members lately, and if you ever see a group of members huddled around a pile of photos . . The chances are that they are not ‘Girlie pics’ But another Ford.

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Photo right An extremely smart interior greets the driver. What cannot be seen is a rather nice sound system that is conveniently hidden away behind the glove box –

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A few members will recall checking out John’s magnificent ‘e type’ a couple of years ago when he called in to pay us a visit at one of our engine-running days. I recall someone asking him why the number plates were inside the car. John simply asked, “Would you drill holes in This Jaguar? ”

                                                                       1949 3 ton Ford tray back truck

The 1949 3-ton Ford tray-back truck is a fascinating piece of automotive history. It represents a pivotal time in the evolution of American trucks and the Ford Motor Company.

Post-World War II, the demand for commercial vehicles surged as businesses sought to expand and modernize. Ford, having established itself as a significant player in the automotive market, saw an opportunity to cater to this rising need. The introduction of the 1949 models showcased an updated design that focused on functionality and durability, essential for the working-class consumers.

The 3-ton Ford tray back was designed with versatility in mind. Its flatbed design made it ideal for carrying a wide variety of loads, from agricultural products to construction materials. This adaptability made it a staple for farmers, small business owners, and tradespeople, establishing its reputation for reliability and practicality.

The truck featured a robust body, often steel-framed, allowing it to handle the everyday use’s rigours. The engine was typically a straight-six or V8, offering a balance of power and efficiency, perfect for hauling heavy loads. Its simple mechanics made it easier to maintain, a critical factor for operators who relied on their vehicles for daily work.

The post-war era also marked a cultural shift in America, with increased suburbanization and the rise of the middle class. The Ford tray back truck became synonymous with progress and the American spirit of innovation and hard work. These trucks were often seen on farms and construction sites and even as the preferred vehicle for burgeoning delivery services.

As time progressed, the 1949 Ford tray back became more than just a utility vehicle; it became a valued classic among truck enthusiasts and collectors. Its blend of vintage aesthetics with practical capabilities makes it a sought-after model at car shows and auctions. Enthusiasts appreciate not just its rugged charm but also the nostalgia it brings, standing as a reminder of a simpler time when vehicles were built to last and serve a purpose.

Today, the legacy of the 1949 3-ton Ford tray back truck lives on. It symbolizes the resilience of American manufacturing and the adaptability of vehicles to meet society’s changing needs. The allure of vintage vehicles continues to captivate new generations, ensuring this piece of automotive history remains cherished.