Sophie
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sun 24 Aug 2014 22:17
Sophie
No sooner than Bear had read the sign than he engaged the speed of a
racing snake.
Once aboard Sophie
he did look the part.
Over
Bears left shoulder is the Roll of Honour of nearly
eight hundred young men who flew.
Over his right shoulder was this terrific
photograph.
Dismounting, an elegant manoeuvre not to be hurried.
To the front of Sophie
and Bear a smashing ‘thank you’ to the ninety five Fighter
Aces of New Zealand.
Each Fighter Ace had a
photograph and legend. We randomly chose three to feature. Air Vice-Marshal William Hector Stratton was born on the
22nd of July 1916 in Hastings, New Zealand. Theatre of service: Europe.
Decorations: CB, CBE, DFC and Bar Mid. He died in 2006 in Perth, Australia.
Air Commodore Patrick Geraint Jameson was born on the
10th of November 1912 in Wellington. Theatre of service: Europe. Decorations:
CB,DSO,DFC and Bar, Norwegian War Cross. He died on the 1st of October 1996 in
Wellington. Squadron Leader Arthur Ernest Umbers was
born on the 30th of June 1919 in Dunedin. Theatre of service: Europe.
Decorations: DFC and Bar. Sadly he was killed in action at Meppen, Germany on
Valentine’s Day 1945. We read many of the stories and thought what a wonderful
_expression_ of gratitude to all these men.
I had to steer my
hips to get in but once settled very happy.
Sir Herbert Austin began producing
cars at a factory near Birmingham in 1906. However, by 1921 his company was in
dire financial strife. He had dispensed with his pre-WWI multi-model approach
and was producing just one car – the Austin Twenty. But they were expensive,
prices began at six hundred and ninety pounds, and tough economic times in
Britain saw sales slump.
Austin’s troubles were compounded by
the introduction in January 1921 of the so called ‘Horsepower Tax’. This
legislation meant that the cost of a car’s annual Road Fund Licence was geared
to the RAC rating of its engine, instead of being based on its cubic capacity or
weight.
This formula was based on the unit’s
bore and was aimed at penalising big-bored American imports. The duty severely
damaged sales of the Manchester assembled Model T Ford. With its engine rated at
twenty two horsepower, a T’s owner would have to pay twenty two pounds a year,
as would the owner of an Austin Twenty. Those who opted for an Austin Seven,
which was rated at seven point eight horsepower, would pay just eight pounds.
When Sir Herbert went to his board
with the idea for a six horsepower ‘cyclecar’ they refused to back him. In the
end Sir Herbert financed the project himself and once the car was a reality went
back to the board who agreed to start production. Sir Herbert also cannily got
the agreement of his co-directors that he would receive a royalty of two guineas
on every Seven built.
The rugged little car was produced
between 1922 and 1939 with more than two hundred and ninety thousand rolling off
the production line. It is testament to the affection the car is held in that
some seven thousand Austin Sevens still exist today.
Back in the 1920’s and 1930’s
marketing of the Austin Seven was targeted very much at the middle class. It was
touted as “The Motor for the Millions”. Here are a couple of extracts from the
marketing material at the time:
“A real car is now within the means
of the majority in the “Austin Seven,” bringing health, recreation, convenience
and cheap business travel in its train. It proffers all these benefits at the
price of a good sidecar combination and cost no more to run, yet provides far
more comfortable travel. It protects all its occupants from exposure, and can be
run at a cost of the tram fares.”
“When you find a sound investment for
money that has been earned by hard work and saved by thrifty endeavour, you have
cause for genuine satisfaction. But when your investment brings its dividends,
you begin to enjoy the reward of your prudent economy. There is no better or
more profitable investment than the Austin Seven. It provides a number of
desirable benefits at the least possible expense. It is the cheapest known form
of transport for four person. It is far more convenient that train, tram or bus.
It will go anywhere at any time. And when the owner desires to part with it, it
commands the best re-sale price. It gives pleasure and healthy recreation, it is
also a willing, ever-ready servant for business purposes, and the cost is well
within the resources of a moderate income.”
Plenty for pecky
fingers to busy with.
Foot well.
Bear is a size nine, not sure how a twelve or thirteen would manage the pedals
in a hurry. Lovely figurehead and was Bear pleased.
Oh chuffed.
Features and Specifications: Full car
length was nine feet six inches. Full car width was three feet ten inches.
Wheelbase six feet three inches. Weight eight and a half
hundredweight.
Engine: Four-cylinder, water-cooled,
detachable head. Total capacity seven hundred and forty seven cc, RAC rating
seven point eight.
Transmission: Single-plate clutch.
Gear changes are effected by a lever mounted centrally on the top of the
box.
Other Features: electric starting and
lighting, automatic windscreen wiper, carburetter air strangler, spare wheel and
tyre, electric horn, speedometer, licence holder and blank number
plates.
Not sure what the passengers in the
back were supposed to do with their legs. I measured the space at about three inches but I do think the posh
carpeting should have had a mention in the features.
Loved her bits and
badges.
After that wonderful experience I’ve got to chill out on this great settee. Sir Tim, local businessman and entrepreneur who put the
Warbirds and Wheels collection together watches over Bear. Final picture has to
go to Sophie.
ALL IN ALL WHAT A
CUTIE
WONDERFUL LITTLE
LADY |