Sophie

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sun 24 Aug 2014 22:17
Sophie
 
 
 
 
IMG_4533  IMG_4531  IMG_4534
 
No sooner than Bear had read the sign than he engaged the speed of a racing snake.
 
 
IMG_4535
 
Once aboard Sophie he did look the part.
 
 
IMG_4553
 
Over Bears left shoulder is the Roll of Honour of nearly eight hundred young men who flew.
 
 
IMG_4554
 
Over his right shoulder was this terrific photograph.
 
 
IMG_4555  IMG_4556  IMG_4557
 
Dismounting, an elegant manoeuvre not to be hurried.
 
 
IMG_4567
 
To the front of Sophie and Bear a smashing ‘thank you’ to the ninety five Fighter Aces of New Zealand.
 
 
IMG_4574  IMG_4568  IMG_4575
 
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.
 
 
IMG_4562  IMG_4558  IMG_4559
 
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.
 
 IMG_4561
 
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.”
 
 
IMG_4536  IMG_4541  IMG_4537 
 
Plenty for pecky fingers to busy with.
 
 
IMG_4544  IMG_4548  IMG_4542
 
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.
 
 
IMG_4538  IMG_4540  IMG_4545
 
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.
 
 
IMG_4547  IMG_4550  IMG_4552
 
Loved her bits and badges.
 
 
IMG_4563
 
 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.
 
 
IMG_4551
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL WHAT A CUTIE
                     WONDERFUL LITTLE LADY