Lawrence

This is a photograph of Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, sitting proudly on one of his six Brough Superior motorbikes. All six bikes were to be called George: i.e. George 1,11, 111, 1V, V and V1. This bike is George 1V ( reg RK 4907 ) and is a 1926 SS100 Brough Superior. It was the first SS100 to be owned by him. The SS100 was fitted with a 998cc JAP V twin engine that guaranteed over 100mph. His first Brough Superior, a Mark 1 A 1922 model was the first in a long association with the marque. George 11 and 111 were SS80 side valve models.

His sixth and final Brough was bought in February 1932 and registered GW 2275. Lawrence was on his way home from bovington when he fell off the bike. He was seriously injured as he did not wear a crash helmet and died six days later in a military hospital.

Along with Lawerence`s motorcycle gloves and goggles GW 2275 has pride of place at the entrance to the main exhibition hall at Beaulieu Motor Museum.

Rolls Royce 2025

Production of the 2025 was 3827. As the decade grew older the 2025 suffered the same fate as many other cars - it got heavier and slower, although 75mph possible the firm still believed the correct place for the gearstick was on the righthand side. They provided quality motoring for whoever could afford it. The car in the photo is the property of a club member, it looks stunning in it`s cream and brown coach paint and is a showstopper on club runs.

Austin A40 Somerset 1954

Produced: 1952-1954, 173306 produced.

Types: Saloon, 4 doors, 4 seats
Convertible, 2 doors, 4 seats

In 1952 Austin launched a facelift A40 to replace the ageing Devon which first appeared in 1947, the new car was named the A40 Somerset, carrying on with the "home counties" name theme. The new Somerset was really little more than a restyled Devon, albeit with slightly more power coming from the same A40 1200cc engine.

The Somerset shared its curvy, transatlantic body shape with the much larger A70 Hereford, both cars looked visually pleasing and well proportioned. Eight months after the saloon appeared, Austin launched an elegant Somerset 3 position, Convertible which sold in relatively small numbers.

Inside the Somerset had a steering column change, front bench seat and an umbrella handbrake lever, all adding to the American theme. Despite the Somerset's leisurely performance it managed to sell well during its short production run, which ended in 1954 with the launch of the all new A40 Cambridge. It is still the most popular of all the Austin Counties models, if indeed not all the fifties and later model Austins.

Transmission
Type Gears Comment
Manual 4

Drivetrain and Suspension
Drivetrain F/R
Steering Worm
Suspension Front Independent/Coil Springs
Rear Beam axle/Semi-elliptic leaf spring
Performance
Top Speed 0-60 SQM MPG Engine Pwr Comment
72mph 36.6s 42bhp @4300

The baby car par excellence of it`s day that sold in massive numbers. The Morris Minor as we know it today was first introduced in 1948. It was very popular with women drivers and loved in Ireland. The earlier version had an 803cc engine and by the time it of it`s demise in 1971 had a 1098cc unit. It was produced in all versions i.e. woddie, van, pickup, convertible and family saloon. Today, no matter what show you attend you will almost certainly see a Morris Minor. This no doubt bears testimony to the Moggies popularity and durability.

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Morris Oxford 1954


The new Morris Oxford was introduced in 1954 and was completely restyled. Still had four on the column and had the reliable B series engine. Quite a large family car with the usual Morris/Austin qualities of it`s day. A solid car that lasted well and a good few still around.

Ford Model Y 1932

This was to be the first true European Ford, and inspiration for the Morris 8. A well built little car that could do nearly 60mph. Three speed with synchro. A really popular car in it`s day and still very sought after. A good one will not come cheap!. Happy to say there are a few nice ones in the Club.

Austin A55 Cambridge

The Austin A50 and later the A55 Cambridge succeeded the A40 Somerset from 1955. It was bigger and more comfortable with a bigger boot and more modern lines. From 1959 the model had a floor gear change. These were the last of the real Austin cars with the Pinninfarina style body taking over the Cambridge range from late 1959.

1956 Vauxhall Cresta Series E

The Vauxhall Cresta E Series is most collectors`dream car. Made from 1954 to 1957 with a 2262cc six cylinder engine it was smooth and stylish. Very hard to come by and very few around at shows.