Heart of England Classic Transport Club
On Sunday 25th July, I went to Bulkington WMC to visit the Heart of England Classic Transport Club. It was absolutely brilliant to see so many classics and so many characters who are passionate about their cars. There was a variety of motors and it was good to see so many people popping by to see the cars and discuss the history of the motors.
The club meet on a regular basis at the Griffin Inn on Coventry Road in Bedworth and everybody is welcome.
The dates of the upcoming meets are as follows
1900 – 2230 on the following Tuesdays 27th July, 10th August & 24th August 2010.
1130 – 1500 on the following Sundays 12th September, 10th October, 14th November & 12th December 2010.
If you’re in the area or you’re looking for an interesting trip out, pop in to the above meets, you’ll be made welcome and you’ll meet some real characters.
Pictures to be uploaded shortly.
Dawn
The History of Aston Martin
The Aston Martin is the English alternative to the Bugati and Ferrari. The company was founded in 1913 by mechanical engineer Robert Bamford and wealthy Lionel Martin. The two had met in 1905 as members of a cycling club and progressed during the Edwardian era to classic trials and hill climbs using the Singer sports car. Bamford thought he could improve the car, and soon began to build cars which took the Aston Martin name (from Martin’s exploits at the Aston Clinton hill climb in Buckinghamshire).
However, the partnership was not to last and Martin bought out Bamford in 1922. Soon the company being asked for replicas, but being English, they didn’t like to make a profit from their friends and the firm nearly went bust in 1925. It was saved by Lord Charnwood and Hon. John Benson, who appointed Italian born Augustus Cesari Bertelli as Managing Director.
The company built the Ulster between 1934 and 1935 which had an in line 4 cylinder 1495cc, single overhead camshaft which featured an advanced dry sump engine. It produced 80bhp at 5250rpm, had a top speed of 100mph, and named after the Ulster TT road race. The Ulster was the best performing of the pre war Astons.
Following the war, many manufacturers were suffering financial difficulties. David Brown (famous for tractors) acquired Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500, and in 1948, purchased Lagonda for £52,000.
The publication is available only within the members area.
