The good ole days

(Passed along from Ralph.)
Be sure to click on "Read more" below to see the rest of these great snow photos.

Click on photo for larger view.

Aerodynamics and the E-Type Jag

Bob E passed along this fascinating research. Find it here.

January FABAC Meeting Report

      The dinner/meeting was boisterous last night with folks greeting each other enthusiastically.  It seems to have been a long and cold month and all the familiar faces were a welcome sight.  Gary opened the evening by thanking Anne and John Crumley (in absentia) for the Christmas party.  About this time dinners started to arrive and he was forced back into his seat.  Service at Luna Pizza is fast.
While we ate, Paul handed out a spreadsheet he'd populated with the years that various cars were introduced.  The aim was to see what cars were 'born' the same time you were.  He's still working on it and will post it to the site upon completion.
    After most folks had eaten,  Gary opened the business portion again and we all eagerly voted to return to Luna Pizza next month.  This place is clearly going to be a favourite.  Its only drawback is size.  If we have more than 35 people show up it will be tight.
--There was considerable interest in an overnight trip to Grand Manan Island.  Joanna and Bruce  
   volunteered to arrange this one. 
--The Windsor show is on for the 10th of July.
--Herb is planning a track day at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS.
--Kelvin called for more picnics like the one a couple of years ago at the Kiwanas Park downriver.
--Bob (me) will liaise with the Moncton Club on some runs.
--Kelvin is throwing his annual St Georges day bash on the 25th of April at his place in Noonan.
   Of immediate interest is a work party that will take place at Kelvins this Sunday (25th) at noon.
He needs help getting a car into the garage to facilitate the replacement of some broken springs.
   During the after diner chit-chat I learned that several folks are working on their cars in preparation for spring.  It seems that this year was particularly hard on them with several broken gizmos, parts and thing-a-ma-bobs.  There are also rumours of a few folks wishing to travel to the massive car parts flea market in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in May.  This might be a great way to break in my virgin credit card.
    The meeting broke up all too early (as always) with folks agreeing that Luna Pizza has great food for a very reasonable price with fast service.
    See you at Kelvin's this Sunday and bring work gloves.
       Bob E.

**** CANCELLED because of weather. **** Moncton Foreign Auto Club

(Please note time correction.)
I spoke with Ovide Theriault from the Moncton Foreign Auto Club.  He is inviting FABACians to meet with them in Sussex on Saturday, January 31st at 1:30PM 1:00PM at JJ’s Diner (http://www.fairwayinn.ca/restaurant.htm) to talk about possible tours, meetings and all things automotive for the 2015 driving season.

Ovide can be reached at ovide@bigbrightsun.com  or 506-878-1222 (cell).

Phil

Under what "star" were you born?

I thought it might be interesting to see what cars were introduced in the year I was born in ( 1950 ).  Turns out I'm in some very auspicious company as, amongst a few others, the Morgan Plus 4 was introduced that year also. Should be a little fun for everyone to see what "Star" or "LBC"  they were born under.  The list of cars is not complete obviously but it does cover, I think,  the majority of  LBCs of the era.
- Paul B.

(Click on the table for full size.)

Greetings from New Zealand.

 Great scenery and warm and friendly people.  We almost bought this, but in the end decided we didn't want a RHD car.  Did we make a mistake? 
Cheers,
Larry & Sandi

"Meet the Millers"

Although this story has been around for over fifteen years, some of you may have missed it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime story of a car collection. Absolutely fascinating. Read about it here.
(Thanks to Mex Bob)

FABAC Meeting January 21

RESERVATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AT LUNA PIZZA, 91 YORK ST. FOR THE FABAC MEETING ON JANUARY 21, 2015.

THE RESERVATION IS FOR 25-30 AT 6:00PM, HOWEVER I PRESUME THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO ARRIVE A LITTLE EARLIER, IF PEOPLE WISH.

THEIR OFFERINGS INCLUDE PIZZA, SALADS, WRAPS, CHICKEN, STEAK, PORK, AND SEAFOOD. THERE IS AN OUTLINE OF THEIR MENU ON THE WEB.

- Stephen

And what's your winter project?

A cracked valve will be replaced during a full engine rebuild.  Is anyone else ankle deep in
car parts?  
    Bob E.

Dave, an interesting article on the costs of restoring a car, in this case a 1967 Mini Cooper.  The author takes the position that it is still cheaper than spending money on a therapist and a multitude of bad habits.  J

Phil

http://classicmotorsports.net/articles/whats-it-really-cost/

Who and What?

  Hello fellow FABACians  

Take a high revving 4 cyl engine and a five speed tranny from one well known company then slap on a hardtop convertible  body that was designed by one of the iconic British car designers but manufactured by another marque  and voila you get this little gem. The car you see pictured here has been roused out of a very deep sleep in a central Texas Barn where is has slumbered quietly for the past several decades.  It started the very long journey north on New Year's day and is expected to be delivered to the proud new Papa in the next few days.  Although built in 1974 it has was on the road
until 1978 and last driven in 1981 That's 34 years ago.  The 46,000 miles on the clock is about right
and just over 10K per year. It has always lived in Texas and as a result has not evaporated with rust as most of this Marque has been known to do.  No it is not in great condition nor has the new owner seen the car or even turned the key but it is all original and almost all there (unlike the owners
sanity) but he has assurance from the seller that the engine will turn over on a battery and with a bit of fettling and a new radiator should fire right up. Those in the know will be able to ID the car right away but with only 11,00 made and very few sent to North America and even fewer to Canada it is
not an everyday marque on the streets of New Brunswick.  Any guesses as to who might be anxiously awaiting this delivery ?  And what is it?

2002 Mini Cooper for sale

FABAC member  Don Holland from Saint John has a 2002 Mini Cooper for sale.  It is light grey in colour, with four new tires.  I have seen the car but didn’t examine it closely but looks quite good.  Don has driven the car a bit (St. Andrews plus a drive to St. George) and says that it drives well.  It is a 5 speed manual with a transmission issue……..1st and 2nd gear need attention……but it doesn’t affect the driving.  He’s asking $5,500 but is open to reasonable offers and can be reached at 506-672-9528.
(passed along by Phil O)