Morwena with
the Flying 12 at Poynton's VE Celebrations
JA 8781 a Flying Standard 12
was first registered in Stockport in March, 1937 and was
purchased by myself in May, 2000. Since being in my possession
it has won awards at local shows and a few years ago took part
in a film called "ATA Girl" being a short film about
the women pilots who delivered aircraft from factories to their
operational units during WW2. It also took part in VE day 60th
anniversary re-enactments in Stockport and Poynton in 2005.
Earlier this year JA 8781
failed to start after being stored for the Winter 2007 and was
found to be in serious trouble, water in number one cylinder,
very low compression in the other cylinders and sticking exhaust
valves.
Graham Hart, one of the
Manchester Group’s knowledgeable members came to the rescue
and the car was transported with the help of fellow members
Philip Barratt, John Clarke and Dave Jones from Hazel Grove to
Grahams home near Warrington. Graham reconditioned the engine
and after many dedicated hours of work got the car running back
on the road again. One need hardly add that an aluminium head
that has never been removed since 1937 really does need
dedicated work to remove it and Graham is to be congratulated
for all he did to get this car in good running condition again.
To add icing to the cake Graham
drove the car back to Hazel Grove from Warrington and as a
surprise to me parked it on my front drive ticking over just as
new. Back on the road again and as solid as a rock, JA 8781 is
now ready for the 2009 show season. Graham Hart, what a friend.
Bryan Jones, Organiser,
Manchester & North West Group, SMC
