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Messages - Brooklander

#1
Hi Paul,
   

Tales from the Dark side of the Moon!


   Tale No. 2 appears to be 'based' (note the inverted comas here) on an anecdote almost certainly published in Dougal Butler's book "Full Moon" long since out of print. Butler was Moon's personal assistant and second chauffeur, as Moon never held a driving licence.
   
   However, the book has just been republished, and an interview with Butler in a current Scooter magazine appears to be part of the book's press re-launch. Here's the incident as reported by Butler:
   
   Journalist: "What about the AC 428 Frua?"
   
   Butler: "Yes, that was a seven litre V8 automatic. That went like sh*t off a shovel. We were coming back from a club in Staines one night, he'd had a drink but he wasn't drunk and he wanted to drive.
   
   He could drive a bit, he certainly wasn't great but I passed him the keys and told him to take it steady. We were coming along Chertsey Road, which is quite straight, but there were roadworks being carried out at the time as they were building the M25.
   
   He's there doing 100mph and I'm telling him to slow down! He looks at me and says:  "Well dear boy, let's see what this thing can do" and he downshifts to first! The back wheels lock and we skid into the kerb, we fly through the new motorway fence, we fly through a wire fence and by this time the car is on its roof, sliding along and stops about four feet away from a reservoir!
   
   We were both killing ourselves laughing when we spot a light coming towards us and it's George, our local copper, on night duty. He said: "Hello you two, what you doing now?" I said: "He was driving again George, but just put it down as me".

   
   The interview includes a colour photo of the 428 Frua fastback from Butler's personal collection before the accident.
   
   Another online reference to this incident increases the car's speed to 140 mph, so a lot of creative writing and embellishment, surrounds the truth.
   
   Tale No. 3 regarding the denise of the Ferrari Dino is also included in the magazine interview. Butler had a half share with Moon in the Dino. I have discovered an image of the wreck of the Ferrari after it was returned to Moon's house dated 17/10/1972.
   
   I also have additional images of Moon's 428 Frua scanned from a motoring magazine article from 1972. The Frua is photographed with other cars and the hovercraft from Moon's fleet of vehicles. Please email me and I'll happily send these on to you for your website register and archive.
#2
Nik, I only managed an hour to have a wander over all the 4 days we were up at the NEC!
   We had a great response from current young people who thought the ME design was a timeless classic. Our enthusiasm was proportional to that received about the three MEs on display.
   
   Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the Trident display. Ironically, one of the Trident club members sold his ME this year - it's now been sold to a guy in the USA. His 15 year old son was caught trying out the ME for size at 02.00am - only hours after the car was delivered!!!  It's a bit of an understatement that the owner's son totally loves the AC!!
#3
I'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those ACOC members who visited the stand and shared our enthusiasm in wanting to display their AC models in the future.
   
   Without doubt, a very positive outcome for the club and the optimism for a larger stand area for next year.
#4
Question is - does this car belong to an ACOC member? and if so, is there the opportunity to write a feature for "ACtion" on this car?
   
   The running of the car didn't go to plan - not sure if it was the actor's finger trouble, or the AC that was refusing to co-operate. A link to how the press reported the issue:
   http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2130073/Downton-Abbey-stars-Dan-Stevens-Michelle-Dockery-end-stranded-film-car-scenes.html
   
   Slideshow images shot during this filming at:
   http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Michelle+Dockery/Dan+Stevens/Downton+Abbey+Films+Countryside/qfIlEClzdUV
   
   or browse individual thumbnails at:
   http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Michelle+Dockery/Dan+Stevens/browse
#5
Quite correct, I think you missed my point though. I was merely highlighting the fact that this car is road legal by the fact that it is registered as an AC Petite - hence my quote marks around the name Petite.
#6
General Forum / P. Brown wanted and K. Lessiter
December 11, 2009, 00:20:58
Hello Michael,
   
   Now I know how it feels to be a Wanted Man!
   
   I'm sure that Terry Webb will tell you that I look pretty desperate at the best of times too!
   
   I'll Email you so we can sort something out, with regards - Phil
#7
3000ME Forum / For Sale - ME172
July 27, 2014, 02:37:49
THIS CAR IS ADVERTISED IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF ACTION
   
   
   
   This 4 owner Thames Ditton built car is finished in Vineyard Green, with black leather upholstery. ME172 is offered with a fresh MOT, road taxed until 30th November 2014. A general service was carried out at the end of June 2014.
   
   A comprehensive UK service history file dates back to 1987, including old tax discs and SORN declarations. A gearbox rebuild was conducted in 1996 and has remained reliable to date.
   
   Mileage:  68,051, the engine has been mildly tuned and suspension uprated. This car is realistically priced to reflect its condition and includes an array of hard to obtain spares, including original items replaced on this car.
   
   
   
   This car is ideal for the AC enthusiast who enjoys a reliable daily runner combined with some weekend competition.
   
   Price:  £18,000 - serious enquiries only, further details upon request.
   
   Contact:  Ron Sadler  01903 785192
   email: ron_sadler@talk21.com
   
   Location:  Littlehampton, West Sussex
#8
A rare chance to own an AC Petite (honest officer) - complete with MOT & free tax.
   See: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AC-Invacar-MOT-Tax-Free-/300439732189
   
   Although listed as a classified ad, two offers have already been made.
   
   It's entertaining reading just how this one escaped the crusher!