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We have been asked by the organizers if the club would like to have a reserved space at the event to display our cars. This is for display only (not driving the hill) and would still require the purchase of individual admission tickets for the event.
I will not be going as I am already booked to be at Brooklands for the American Car Day. Is anyone interested in displaying their car at the Hill Climb ?

Please  see below from the organizers.
Thanks - John.

I am hoping to confirm the last few car club displays in the next week or so and wondered if you would like an area reserved for your AC Owners Club. Reserving an area is free of charge and all visitors just need to buy a ticket www.sherehillclimb.co.uk/tickets/.

Since we last spoke we have confirmed a number of additional displays and activities alongside the 170 cars which will be taking on the Hill Climb:
There will be processions by Box Hill Mini Club and Ronart Drivers' Club, a Harley Davidson display and Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands offering taster sessions for their junior driving experience (£15 for a 15 minute session in a dual control Mercedes with an instructor). There will also be a Silent Pool music tent offering a gin and prosecco bar to accompany music from rock covers band Hog Wild, and a beer tent from Tillingbourne Brewery alongside other car club displays, children's attractions, trade stands and catering facilities.
In the evening Shere Village Cinema and Surrey Mobile Physio will be running an 'Italian evening' showing the original 'The Italian Job'. Tickets are available now and include pre film nibbles, pizza slices and gelato.
Let me know if you would like a space

The club has been contacted by a motoring journalist commissioned to write an Ace Ace feature for Classic Car magazine's The List. This is the magazine's opener in which we place a reader behind the wheel of one of their all-time dream cars.
   It would be essentially be a short test drive under the owner's supervision, with the photography element attached. In all it'd take around 2-3 hours to complete and actual driving time can be as short as 20-30 minutes. The magazine is even prepared to hire a private test track such as Chobham if the owner is concerned about having their car on public roads
    The car would of course be covered comprehensively at an agreed value by Bauer Media's insurance underwriter.
   Please let me know if you are interested / able to help or would like to talk with the journalist to know more.

A long lost Aceca is the star of episode two of the new series of the TV show Car SOS on the National Geographic channel. "Our" episode airs next week and the broadcast details are in the link below.
   http://natgeotv.com/uk/car-sos/about
   
   I Would like to thank club members Glenn Burnage, Geoffrey and Marie Wilkinson for bringing their Aceca's to Beaulieu last year for what proved to be a very wet day of filming. Andy Shepherd was also able join us for the day and hopefully will be seen on screen discussing the newly restored car with its lucky owner.

A long lost Aceca is the star of episode two of the new series of the TV show Car SOS on the National Geographic channel. "Our" episode airs next week and the broadcast details are in the link below.
   http://natgeotv.com/uk/car-sos/about
   
   I Would like to thank club members Glenn Burnage, Geoffrey and Marie Wilkinson for bringing their Aceca's to Beaulieu last year for what proved to be a very wet day of filming. Andy Shepherd was also able join us for the day and hopefully will be seen on screen discussing the newly restored car with its lucky owner.

Masters Historic event – Brands Hatch 24th May.
   The organisers have offered the club up to 30 tickets if we attend the event in an AC. We will be provided with allocated parking in order to display as a club. It's the Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend.
   
   Can anyone interested please let me know as I would like to provide the organisers with an indicative number.
   www.mastershistoricracing.com/masters-festival/event
   
   
   Thanks – John.

I realise most of us here don't use twitter much, but it thought you may like to see Martin Port's tweet today regarding working on the Buckland during his lunch-hour.
   pic.twitter.com/FzERBD6xmA

You may already be aware of this unwelcome move, but have you signed the petition?
   Boris the mayor of London wants to ban classic cars from Central London. This would bring an end to many wonderful events such as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It would also prevent us from enjoying our cars in our capital city. Apart from it being wrong it also has the potential of being the thin end of the wedge.
   Classic and Sports Car magazine have started an online petition – if you enjoy the freedom of the road in your AC please consider supporting the petition and forwarding the link others.
   http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/general-classic-car-news/help-csc-fight-the-london-classic-car-ban

www.shannons.com.au/auctions/lot/RYDAEFAQBBEI6A54
   
   Below is from the auction catalogue.
   
   Originally built with engine no. 100D2/1053, records indicate the car was first registered on UK plates XYX 401 and delivered on January 18, 1960 via European Cars, Ltd to Dr Oliver Scott. The original colour scheme was red with black upholstery. The second owner, SH Firmin, lived in Surrey then the car dropped out of sight for some time before being acquired by well known Cooper-Bristol exponent Roddie MacPherson, who removed the original motor. In 1993 the Aceca came to Australia with Ivan Glasby of Sydney and then passed to the previous owner, also in Sydney, four years later. The vendor purchased the somewhat tired Aceca with a view to returning it to its former glory and, under the direction of Ray Jones, the car was carefully and comprehensively restored at great expense (with photo documentation on file) using a different Bristol motor, then used in several tarmac rallies, including the 2004 and 2005 Classic Adelaides and the 2004 Melbourne Mille. The Aceca comes with a General Instruction book and some related marque literature. It's easy to see why the very pretty Acecas - and their open-topped bretheren - have become favourite events cars; fast, enjoyable and practical.
   Previously on non-transferable club registration this lovely vehicle will be sold unregistered.

'Prescott Breakfast Club'
   Welcome to the new 'Breakfast Club' beginning in April 2014.
   The Club will be open to all and everyone is encouraged to bring along their veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles to make every date as special as possible.
   The only objective is for everyone to enjoy a convivial breakfast and meet with like minded folks in a very informal environment.
   There will be featured Clubs/Marques on each date if possible & we are delighted to confirm that Porsche, TR and Morgan have already agreed
   The spectacular new Clubhouse will be serving continental, snacks & full English breakfast with juices and tea or coffee from 0900 to 1200 hours on the following dates:-
   13th April: 4th May – Featuring the Porsche Club UK: 22nd June: 27th July – Featuring the Cotswold TR Register: 24th August – Featuring the Morgan Sports Car Club:
   21st September: 12th October & the 7th December (BOC members and guests only).
   Please check our website (www.prescott-hillclimb.com) for the latest news & you can register your attendance or email Barrie at barrie.murray_upton@me.com

Interesting video interview with Lord March with a few of his cars and motorbikes. At six minutes into the vid is  the AC designed by his grandfather.
   http://fortyonesix.com/news/1205/inside-lord-march-s-goodwood-gar

By all accounts their inaugural event was very successful. Below is info on the event and contact details to register your interest.
   Thanks – John.
   
   
   
   
   Dear AC OWNERS CLUB,
   
   I am delighted to invite you to enter your car in the second annual Warren Classic Concours!
   
   On Saturday, May 10, 2014, the quiet hamlet of Woodham Walter in Essex will be the destination of choice for British and international classic car owners and collectors.
   
   The Warren Classic Car Show firmly established itself in 2013 as one of the key events
   on Essex's summer social calendar and started the annual round of classic car concours events. It attracted thousands of visitors to a celebration of classic and
   supercars at The Warren Golf & Country Club near Maldon. The event will return in
   2014 on Saturday 10 May to the beautiful and historic 350 acre estate, offering
   fantastic all-day entertainment for the whole family.
   
   The Warren Classic Car Show will offer visitors the opportunity to see some of the finest classic and contemporary supercars in the world, all gathered together at Essex's most prestigious classic and supercar event.
   
   The highlight of the show will be the Warren Concours d'Elegance where the finest classic cars will be judged by an expert panel. A special exhibit will celebrate 50 years of the International Car of the Year in collaboration with Autocar Magazine.
   
   For full details and entry forms, please visit the web site at:
   www.warrenclassic.co.uk
   
   There are special classes for cars from the dawn of motoring right up to supercars of the present day including 1950s and 1960s sports and touring cars. We will also be celebrating the anniversaries of Maserati and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.
   
   If you have any questions or would like to discuss your entry, please email me at nic@nicwaller.co.uk
   I look forward to hearing from you!
   
   With very best wishes
   Nic Waller

FYI – Martin Port is beginning to make progress with the restoration of his Buckland - PAR 419.
   As many of you will already know, Martin is the Art Editor with Classic & Sports Car magazine and has created a very comprehensive website for his car. The site is full of interesting history on his Buckland and I thought it may be of interest.
   
   Cheers – John.
   
   http://acbuckland.wordpress.com/read-our-blog

I received a phone call today from a chap in South Africa that has a 1936 4 speed AC gearbox with bellhousing etc. The box is surplus to requirements and if anyone is interested please let me know and I'll give you the contact details.
   John.

I received a phone call today from a chap in South Africa that has a 1936 4 speed AC gearbox with bellhousing etc. The box is surplus to requirements and if anyone is interested please let me know and I'll give you the contact details.
   John.

For those of us following this seasons F1 racing, this is a link giving an update on the two remaining races (maybe) – John.
   http://sniffpetrol.com/2013/11/13/more-drivers-drop-out-of-last-two-races/

Last week Charles Morgan was kicked off the board of the Morgan Car Company. In the company's 103 year history Charles is the third Morgan to head the business and intends to fight the decision.
   This link includes a statement from Charles and the "Bring Back Charles" online petition.
   http://torqueabout.com/morgan-motor-company-view

The October edition of Classic Cars will be in the shops in the next few days and has a good 9 page article by Adam Towler writing about Rod Leach's Mk II '64 289.

Just in case all this sunshine has gone to your head and you're wishing your car had air-con, this video will remind you of a typical Sunday drive in Mid-Summer in the UK.
   
   http://accobra.de/ecms/

Below FYI - John.
   
   Classic & Retro Action Day 2013
   Owner's Club Booking Forms Online Now...!
   
   We have been working hard over the last few weeks/months tweaking the final details for the Classic & Retro Action Day 2013 and are delighted to confirm that the online bookings are NOW OPEN...!
   
   The 2013 Classic & Retro Action looks to be a real humdinger of an event and will hopefully offer a feast of cars on display for all who come along! We produced feedback forms at the 2012 event and took comments from Owner's Clubs and visitors alike and a number of comments were received...
   •       Ensure that the event doesn't clash with the Goodwood Festival of Speed... done; GFoS is on the 12th to 14th July whilst our Classic & Retro Action Day is on Saturday 29th June!
   •       Have more "mild" sessions so that people aren't so worried about their cars... done; see below!
   •       Possibly follow a pace car to limit speeds with a couple of options (i.e. fast laps with helmets; slow laps without helmets)... done; see below!
   •       Some of our members do not go out on the circuit because there are too many dangers (to the cars) caused by "boy racers"... done; see below!
   •       The Parade Lap is becoming too congested... we've introduced more Parade Laps alongside the Giant Lunchtime Cruise; hopefully this will help alleviate this problem!
   •       Reduce the cost, keep cars of similar performance together... done; we've "packaged" cars according to type/age in the hope that this will help PLUS we're offering more reduced rate Parade Laps!
   •       Keep some sessions for 'standard' classics only... done: see below!
   •       Track days are expensive and so is fuel... maybe bundle track time for clubs all on the track at once?... get your Owner's Club to book an exclusive Track Session. Just £750 for up to 28 cars on the circuit, 28 admission passes to get in, premium display area and more! Full details on Owner's Club Booking Info and Prices 2013
   •       I have been to CC with BHP Track Days who always have drivers who will come around with you at a very reasonable cost... book an Exclusive Track Session at £750 and for just a further £150 we'll provide you with an Instructor to talk to you beforehand! He can come over to your stand, talk to your drivers and just generally be on hand for the hour leading up to your Track Session! Please note he will not go out in any of the vehicles... this is pre-track session instruction only. Pre-booking and payment essential.
   •       More trade... your help on this would always be welcome!
   •       And a few more...!
   So, what have we done to make 2013 different...?
   •       THE NAME!
   As you will note from the title, we have introduced "Retro" to this year's event. We have traditionally run the event as a Classic & Sports Cars Action Day but have realised over the years that we're getting more and more "Performance" Sports Cars which maybe hasn't worked quite so well with the Classics... fingers crossed, Retro will be more the scene!
   •       NEW IMPROVED TRACK SESSIONS!
   Commonly occurring comments on our feedback forms orientated around getting out on the circuit with the speed, the cost and the "clash" of Classics with 'Performance Cars' being mentioned. We have taken the following action to hopefully accommodate the requirements of ALL our visitors so that you can hopefully get out on the track in 2013 and have a taste of what Castle Combe Circuit is all about!
   Full details on the Track Sessions can be found at the Classic & Retro Action Day page of the website. A few "tasters" of what we'll have on offer though are as follows:
   •       Parade Laps at regular intervals throughout the day. Include Slow Parade Laps (maximum 50mph) plus Fast Parade Laps (maximum speed 70mph). Pace car will be out on circuit for both.
   •       Exclusive Owner's Club sessions... put on your own exclusive Club Session; special packages available for anniversaries!
   •       Themed sessions... sessions "packaged" into types including: Tax Exempt Cars, Pre 1970s Classics, Pre 1990s Classics etc. Full details can be found on the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website (with link through to our "definition breakdown")!
   •       Variable pricing... we've put on more Parade Laps (at cheaper rates) in the hope to tempt a few more of out on the circuit! Prices start from just £10 for Parade Lap track sessions booked in advance!
   •       And much more besides...!
   •       SPECIAL OFFERS!
   Love Classics and Retro... Love the Bristol Forklifts Autumn Classic here at Castle Combe Circuit on Sunday 6th October 2013! The race programme is currently being finalised but (subject to confirmation) will include:
   •         Formula Junior
   •         Historic Aston Martins
   •         Jaguar pre 1966
   •         HDI Big Healey's
   •         FiSCaR 50s Inter-Marque
   •         VSCC Pre War Sports Cars
   Fancy coming along?... Purchase Package 2 or Package 3 and we will offer you 25% discount on the Bristol Forklifts Autumn Classic admission tickets (standard price: £15 per adult / £10 per senior). Full details will be confirmed when we send your tickets through. Terms and Conditions will apply.
   •       CAMPING!
   Fancy pitching your tent or caravan just metres from the circuit? Now's your chance as Castle Combe Circuit opens up camping and caravanning opportunities!
   Prices and booking details as follows...
   Date:   Friday 28th June 2013. Access from 17:00hrs
   Price:   £8 per unit in advance / £10 on the day
   For further details and to book please visit the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website or telephone the Circuit on 01249 782417
   •       NEW OWNER'S CLUB PACKAGE!
   We have run with the "old favourites" for 2013 plus introduced a new Package at £350 which offers the benefits of complimentary entry for 15 display cars, a Premium Display Area plus up to 6 complimentary Track Sessions... can't be bad!
   •       BREAKFAST MEAL VOUCHER!
   2013 also sees the introduction of Breakfast Meal Deal Vouchers with the Tavern where we have negotiated a special rate on a takeout Bacon/Sausage Bap and Hot Drink. These will be available to ALL pre-booked Owner's Clubs. Full details on the Owner's Club Booking Info & Prices 2013 page.
   
   So, what happens next...?
   Owner's Club information and booking forms are now LIVE on the website! Click on the Classic & Retro Action Day page and follow the links... it's as easy as that!
   Plus... it's competition time!
   Return your completed booking form by Sunday 26th May 2012 and you could be in with a chance to win an Exclusive Track Session for up to 28 cars at 4pm (16:00hrs) at the Classic & Retro Action Day 2013! How exciting is that...?! This would cost you £980 if purchased on the day and you could win for absolutely free!
   Remember to complete and return your Booking Form so that it's received by us by the 26th May 2012 and... fingers crossed! All our normal driving and safety conditions will apply.
   Information for Individuals and Trade
   Online bookings are also now available for individuals and for Trade Stands... check out the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website.
   We very much look forward to seeing you on Saturday 29th June 2013. Any queries or problems in the interim then just give us a buzz on 01249 782417 (normal office hours, Monday to Friday) as we'd be delighted to help!
   With best wishes
   THE CASTLE COMBE ACTION DAY TEAM
   Tel:       01249 782417
   Email:    sales@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
   Web:      www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
   Address:   Castle Combe Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire  SN14 7EY

The Brooklands Double Twelve this year is on 15th – 16th June. The club had a display at the event last year was well received and we plan to have a bigger display this year but the format has changed slightly from previous years. Due to the success of the event and space constraints, the Saturday will now be the main day for car clubs to display their cars. The Sunday will still have limited space for display cars, but probably less than 10 places for the ACOC.
   
   I have been talking with the organisers and it would be really helpful if you could let me know if you are interested in coming along to display your car on the Saturday.
   Please email me and I can then make sure we have enough space on the day. john@moonlightmedia.co.uk
   
   FYI – info on the event
   http://www.sportscardigest.com/brooklands-double-twelve-festival-2013-information/
   http://www.sportscardigest.com/brooklands-double-twelve-festival-2012-photo-gallery/
   
   Some members enter the driving tests and concours etc and others display their cars. If you wish to do more than display and polish your car,  this is the link for the driving tests, concours and  speed trials. www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/double12/
   
   I look forward to hearing from you – let's have a good turnout for the club.
   
   PS: Since I broke a halfshaft competing at last year's event and trashed the diff last week at the Press Day for this year's event – I will be content to just polish the car this year.