Dear
Phil,
I
was interested to see the photographs of the two Standard V8
engines in New Zealand in the April and June Standard Car
Reviews. The car with the engine shown in the June Review is now
under restoration at the Southward Motor Museum at
Paraparaumu,
near Wellington, where it has been in storage for over 30 years.
I first saw this car in Auckland about 1955, and, never having
heard of this model before, wondered exactly what it was. About
10 or 12 years ago a friend of mine mentioned that he had been a
neighbour of the then owner of the car, a Mrs Mayes, whom I rang
for some information about it. She said that it was very
unreliable, and that she eventually sold it to the Southward
Museum in about the 1970s. At that time it was coloured maroon,
and has now been repainted a light grey shade. I am also
forwarding an email with attached photographs of the car.
I have been told that the V8 in Christchurch, whose engine
features in the April Review, was owned for many years by Merv
Sloane of Southbridge, Canterbury, who bought it from a dealer
in Christchurch with the intention of using the engine in a
midget that he raced back in the 1950s. It seems that at least
three of this model must have come to NZ, as Dick Hancock, from
whom I bought my 1938 Flying 12 in 1979, mentioned that he had
seen one for sale in New Lynn, Auckland, some years before then,
and subsequently found that the motor had later been taken out
of the car and put in a stockcar for racing. He had no idea what
had become of the rest of the car.
Rod
Drummond
Thanks
for this update Rod.
The
restoration of the Museum car seems to be pretty thorough.
Judging by the pretty puny size of the drum brakes all round,
the car appears to be no better braked than my Flying 12, so I
hope it stops! I do hope the car gets occasional use when
completed rather than sitting all the time in the museum.
Wouldn't it be good to see it on the road?
Regards
Phil
