If it's Memorial Day Weekend, We Must Be in Magnolia Springs

The Grotto

One of the longest-running events on the South Alabama British Car Club activities calendar is the Memorial Day weekend annual Lawn Party at St.John's Catholic Church in beautiful Magnolia Springs, Alabama. This fundraiser for the church, now in its 86th year, is a pleasurable outing for the club membership. The organizers invite the club to bring our classic British cars to display in a grotto area near the main church building.

Most of those making the trek to Magnolia Springs met at the Daphne Starbucks Coffee for a quick jolt of caffeine prior to the start of the drive. We had a nice caravan of four cars consisting of Jack & Linda Ross (Jaguar E-Type), Keith and Donna Jarvis (Triumph TR3), Alan McDonald (MGB) and yours truly in the trusty Mini. Club President, Noel Eagleson reported that his MGB was having clutch issues and came in his "grown-up" car. Ron Wolverton and Club Secretary, Becky Kramer came in their small SUV to carry coolers, the popup tent, chairs and other necessities of the day.

British Iron on Display

We took the long way there taking advantage of the scenic drive down county road 98 along the bayfront all the way to Mary Ann Beach Road where we rejoined US highway 98 into Magnolia Springs. The cloudless morning and constant breeze off the bay made for a wonderful drive, the Sunday morning traffic being mostly runners and cyclers. More than a few waved or tossed us a thumbs up as our caravan drove by. 

Our arrival at St. John's was welcomed by the volunteer workers and our own SABCC'er Elaine Coll, widow of Jaguar enthusiast and SABCC charter member Vinc Coll. It was certainly good to see her again. We parked under an ancient live oak that shades the grotto and we were treated to the fragrance of the many gardenias in bloom on the property. 

Antique Agricultural Engine Display

The sound of antique agricultural machinery running drew us over for a look at the "hit and miss" engines on display. We were also taken with an extensive antique tool collection on display and were pleased to see a number of Abingdon and Joseph Lucas tools in the collection, adding another British angle to  the day. 

Once the popup tent was popped up, we each claimed our share of the shade and relaxed and chatted with the many folks who dropped by to check out the cars on display. The group was joined shortly by Richard Cunningham in his Jaguar XJ-S who also had his nieces and nephew on board for the morning. Alan's wife, Debbie and their daughter Kelley also dropped by for a visit to the sale tables and take in the scenery.

SABCC Headquarters

It wasn't long before the gang decided that the great smell of the barbeque was too much to ignore so we duly bought our meal tickets and chowed down. I will say that it was quite good and the portions were generous indeed. A few of the members wandered through the plant sale tents for a green souvenir of the day. The hydrangeas were particularly nice.

We were met shortly after lunch by our Club Secretary-Emeritus Sandy Walter and her better half Sam who came by after their church services were over. 

Around 2:30, Richard and I saddled up for the trip back to points north. The rest of the gang relaxed in the afternoon breeze in Magnolia Springs a little longer before they made their way back home as well.

As always, the club would like to thank the volunteers at St. John's Catholic for inviting us to be part of their day. We eagerly look forward to visiting again next year.

The Shape of Things to Come

TR7 Roadster

Quick - What was the best selling of the Triumph TR series cars?  Give up? It's the TR7 coupe and convertible. BL's last major effort at designing and building sports cars was such a sales success in the US that the launch in the UK was delayed while Triumph ramped up production to meet the American demand, and then had to move production from factory to factory while militant labor unions did their part to cripple the British auto industry.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

It's a shame that we don't see more of the wedge at SABCC events and at British car shows in the region. Perhaps it's due to the low values the cars reached as they were worn out. Sports cars - in the US, anyway -  were considered to be "disposable" and as such were passed down the food chain of drivers until they were picked up off the streets where they were abandoned and sold on for scrap.

BMW Z4

The TR7 enjoys a fair parts supply so keeping one on the road should be no more of a challenge than any other contemporary British sports car. Drivers find them roomy, comfortable and not unable to keep up with modern traffic.

Hyundai Sonata

One of the most controversial aspects of the TR7 design was the crease or character line that ran from above the rear wheel to a point just behind the front wheel arch. This served to emphasize the "wedginess" of the car, making look like it was moving at 60 MPH while standing still. Many sports car Luddites saw the TR7 as anything but a traditional sports car; the first ones were coupes rolled out in fear that the US would outlaw open topped cars.

But back to that crease; the Triumph tag line "The Shape of Things to Come" was not far off the mark. Take a look at these modern cars that I've illustrated here and what seems to be the theme? Yep, creases. Harris Mann, the TR7 designer could be considered a visionary - a man ahead of his time. 

SABCC Tech Session: Fried Wiring and Fried Chicken

Mugs & Motors at Panera Bread

The club membership descended on the Spanish Fort location of Panera Bread for another Mugs & Motors. This pre-event for the day's main activities is a popular 'do' and the participation is always high. We had around 20 SABCC'ers enjoy coffee, baked goods and conversation.

Those driving their British iron parked together across the street from the coffee shop and the cars formed an impromptu car show. More than a few Panera customers stopped by to have a closer look at the representatives of the golden age of British automobile manufacturing. The cloudless sky and bright sunshine was marketer's dream: the cars absolutely glowed in the late spring sun.

Parked at Panera

We topped off our coffees and a number of us picked up an extra sweet treat to enjoy later before we mounted up for the short drive to Silverhill, Alabama and the shops of Darby Classic Restoration where Mike Darby was waiting for us. Jack Ross led the caravan in his stunning silver Jaguar E-Type roadster and he did an excellent job of timing the traffic lights so that the group stayed within sight of each other. Turning off Baldwin County 64 and onto highway 54, we opened the throttle butterflies a little and gave the cars a bit of a workout. The several 90 degree turns on 54 were taken at speeds not usually seen by less exciting cars.

Inside Darby Classic Restoration

The group pulled onto Mike's property and parked up under the shade trees that front the place. We took our time chatting with a few folks who chose to meet up at the shop and forgo the caffeine and calories of the breakfast stop. Once everyone made their way into the shop, Mike began the tech session on automotive electrical systems.

He had several old wiring harnesses along with some examples of various fuse types, connectors and useful tools. The main event was a harness that Mike laid out and attached several components to in simulation of problematic headlight circuit. Mike demonstrated the correct method of step by step troubleshooting and during his talk, he pointed out several important facts:

• A "short" or short circuit usually involves blown fuses, melted wiring and/or smoke.
• A dead electrical component is likely due to an open circuit that prevents power from reaching the device.
• Poor grounds are common on old cars. Cleaning your ground points will often fix the problem.
• Corroded or dirty connectors are another common cause of electrical problems. 
• Save old wiring harnesses that you may take off parts cars. They are a good source for correctly color coded wiring and various connectors.
• Use proper automotive wiring devices. "Vampire" clips, wire nuts and household wiring devices are asking for major trouble.
• By good quality wiring tools. They make the job easier and more realiable.
• British cars are no more prone to electrical problems than cars from any other country - including the US.
• Work methodically to find your problem and have an accurate wiring diagram handy.

The simulated headlight circuit

Mike took a great deal of time answering questions and going into great detail for the benefit of those in attendance. As always, we owe Mike and Nancy Darby a big thank you for hosting the event.

Afterwards, Richard Cunningham discussed two great products for keeping the interior of your car cool: Koolmat interior heat insulation and Zero Clearance reflective insulation for shielding the car from exhaust heat. Richard has installed both products in his E-Type restoration project and several members are currently using the products with excellent results.   

Since it had been a matter of hours that we last had anything to eat, the group once again set out for another meal, this time at Champy's Chicken in Daphne. It also gave us an opportunity to experience an honest-to-goodness traffic roundabout that the Daphne street department recently finished. While they are quite common in Europe, they are just now being seen here in the US. 

Lunch at Champy's

The helpful staff at Champy's dragged several tables together to accommodate the hungry SABCC crowd. We scanned the menu and placed our orders with a delightful young waitress that really engaged the group. It turns out that she was working at Champy's part time but was actually a dietitian at a local hospital the rest of the week. We razzed her about serving up platefuls of deep fried death on the weekend and helping to choose healthy menus during the work week. She took it all in stride and reminded us that all food is good in moderation. 

We enjoyed our heaping plates of fried chicken and more than a few of the group had to take boxes of food home because  the portions were so large. Moderation would have to be practiced another day. We rolled out of the restaurant, once again full, and into our cars for the trip to our respective homes. Everyone enjoyed the day and vowed that we would do it again and soon.

MG Reaches into the Past to Introduce the New MG6

I've written about the new MG6 that is currently in production in China and is now being built int he UK. This saloon (that's a sedan, cowboy) is the first new design to carry the MG badge since the implosion of MG-Rover several years ago. The video that I've posted here is an introduction of the new car and MG has reached way back to try to add some sporting character to the MG6. I have to give them full marks for the classics they chose to include in the film.

The only gaffe I spotted was in the film of the running start at LeMans - the car in the center of the frame is actually a Triumph TR3.

No, we still can't buy new MGs in the US of A.

An Interesting - if Scary - Proposition

The Eastern Shore Cruisers organize a "Second Saturday" cruise-in the Eastern Shore Center in Spanish Fort and it is just a hop away from my house. Being that close and with me interested in nearly anything automotive, I usually attend. This weekend's event was rather well attended with about 70-80 cars on display along with a lot of folks walking through the roped off area. I met up with Richard Cunningham who drove his Jaguar XJS and Michael King who brought his MG Midget. Since my MGB is ailing a bit, I brought the Mini.

Our corner of the lot was dominated mostly by imports with a large contingent of Porsches in attendance. A couple of 944s and an aircooled 911 shared our space. Later in the evening another 911 drove in but this one had a distinct rumble and a rat rod look. I didn't think too much about it and spent my time conversing with Michael and Richard and checking out a Jaguar V-12 powered T-Bucket rat rod that was running straight pipes. Yowser.

Later, a friendly gentleman engaged me in a deep conversation about the Mini. He asked all sorts of questions - the usual run of the mill type - and then asked if I would be interested in swapping it for a Porsche 911. He pointed to the rumbly black one and said it had an engine swap. A Ford 351 V8 swap. Although I had no intention of a trade I had to go check it out. Sure enough, one of Windsor, Ontario's cast iron V8s was hanging off the rear end of the 911

It didn't take too much imagination to see me hurtling into the roadside greenery stern first. I could almost hear Obi Wan Kenobi whispering in my ear, "The oversteer is strong with this one."

Needless to say, I drove the Mini home.

SABCC Picnic - June 11

It's time to get into a picnic state of mind because the annual South Alabama British Car Club family picnic is less than a month away.

SABCC's own John and Barbara Shaw have graciously offered to cook up a big (and I mean big) pot of jambalaya for the club's gustatory pleasure. All we are asking the membership to bring is a salad or dessert to share and there will be a sign up sheet at the next club meeting on May 24th. The picnic will be at Oscar Johnson memorial park in Silverhill, Alabama - the site of the last two annual picnics.It is located on Baldwin County 104, just east of the town. Look for the SABCC sign at the entrance. Plan to arrive around 11:30 and we'll eat around noon.

Our esteemed club president, Noel Eagleson, has asked that the membership wear their finest straw hats to the picnic. Be it a boater or bonnet, plain or decorated, there will a prize for the best ladies and gentlemen's hat. Be sure to have your headgear ready for inspection!

Also, this will serve as our June meeting and we traditionally use this event to select the charity to receive a donation from the proceeds of British Car Festival. 

I hope to see you there!

Yet Another Jubliee Year

In addition to the E Type and Midget anniversaries being celebrated this year the folks at Rolls Royce would like you to know that they also have a reason to party. The world renowned Rolls Royce radiator mascot 'Spirit of Ecstasy' is 100 years old this year. 

Radiator mascots were all the rage in the early days of motoring with special designs being commissioned with an eye to out-do other posh automobile owners. Mascots could be anything that the car's owner could dream up and that was what lead Rolls Royce to search for one that captured the essence of driving ( or rather, being driven in ) a Rolls Royce automobile. It just wouldn't do to have something vulgar on a Rolls.

Charles R. Sykes was given the task of designing the mascot that would become forever associated with the luxury marque. Sykes chose as his model one Eleanor Velasco Thornton, secretary and life long mistress of Edward Douglas-Scott Montagu. This was not the first time that Sykes sculpted a mascot using Thornton for his inspiration; he created a similar mascot for Lord Montagu earlier for his personal Rolls.

This year, Rolls Royce has created a special edition (aren't all Rollers special?) called the Centenary Collection. Along with special paint colors and a unique dashboard clock, the proud owner will have a replica statuette for the mantel or bookcase. In case the occasion is lost on your front seat passenger, the glovebox lid is inscribed with this quote from Charles Sykes:

"A graceful little goddess, the Spirit of Ecstasy, who has selected road travel as her supreme delight and alighted on the prow of a Rolls-Royce motor car to revel in the freshness of the air and the musical sound of her fluttering draperies." - Charles Sykes, 1911

It almost sounds like Eleanor has a bit of indigestion...