Kilkenny Motor Club – Vintage Car Club, Kilkenny, Ireland

MOONE ROAD RUN

March 27th, 2011

MORRIS MINOR 1000

March 24th, 2011

www.minormania.com

The 1000 marked the ‘coming of age’ for the Minor. Introduced in 1956, this was the last major upgrade that Britain’s then most popular car would receive. The ‘1000’ would also see the production of the one millionth Minor, the greatest number ever produced in Britain of a single model car. The ‘Morrie Thou’ would also see BMC begin to concentrate on their other models, the Mini and the 1100 in particular getting most of the development work. The ‘1000’ was beginning to fade into the background as BMC left the Minor to rest on its (unexpected) laurels. But that’s still a few years away yet, let’s go back to 1956 and see how the Minor came of age.

What it Looks Like

A number of changes were made for the 1956 model that differentiate the ‘1000’ from the venerable Series II. Most obvious was the fitment of a single curved windscreen in place of the two piece split-screen and also a larger rear window. This provided much improved visibility and cleaner, smoother lines to the already curvy body style, although the ‘clap hands’ window wipers, a necessity due to the previous split-screen, remained unchanged for another 6 years. Another visual change was the introduction of the 5-bar grill, replacing the ‘cheese-grater’ grill of the Series II.

But the changes went far deeper than just the windows. The most important improvement over the Series II was the replacement of the increasingly inadequate 803cc engine with the larger and sweeter 948cc unit, hence the tag ‘1000’. With a higher compression ratio of 8.3:1 the power of the 948cc engine was a very creditable 37BHP, making it more than a match for its 1950’s rivals. The gearbox still had no syncromesh on first gear, but the ratios were improved and changing the gears was much smoother. Coupled with the extra power available, driving a 948cc Minor was like a breath of fresh air compared to the wheezy Series II. At last the Minor could reach the dizzying speed of 70MPH on a flat road – no need for long downhill runs anymore.

The available colour schemes became marginally more daring, with the introduction of such exciting colours as Old English White, Chartreuse Yellow and later with the Lilac Millions. The ‘1000’ was offered in no less than 33 different colours! The upholstery also got the treatment with two-tone schemes making an appearance.

1962 saw the introduction of the 1098cc engine, basically a long-stroke version of the 948. This gave the car a little more power and would have improved the top-end cruising speed were it not for the fact that a lower ratio diff was fitted at the same time, reducing the top speed of the 1098 to only 4 miles per hour more than the 948. The benefit was therefore only seen in the torque or pulling power of the engine. Hills that once required the driver to change down to third gear became easy fourth gear climbs. Although it provided more power than the 948 and allowed slightly higher cruising speed, the 1098cc engine was never as smooth or refined-sounding as its little brother, although the stronger gearbox was a welcome change.

The 1098 Minor also received a few subtle changes over the 948 including the introduction of ‘normal’ synchronised wipers instead of the ‘clap-hands’ units. The front indicator/park lights were enlarged and changed to include a separate amber indicator. The taillights were also redesigned resulting in a larger unit and again incorporating a separate amber indicator.

TRACTOR NUTS

March 23rd, 2011

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Borris & District Tractor Nuts
Hello and thank’s for stopping by at the Tractor Nuts website! Here you can find out all about the Borris & District Tractor Nuts Annual Road Runs which takes place in May each year.

2011 Tractor Nuts – May Bank Holiday Weekend

LADS AND LASSIES, one of the most popular annual fundraising events in the South East is on the horizon once again. Hundreds of beautifully restored vintage tractors will start out on the Borris and District Tractor Nuts 7th Annual Road Run raising vital funds for both the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Kidney Association.

Expect a large crowd out for a fun day and many tractor enthusiasts with a variety of pre 1990 tractors of differing ages – Massey’s, Ford’s, Nuffield’s, John Deere’s, many of which are restored back to their original condition and are a credit to their owners.

The tractor run has drawn quite a following over the last 6 years and last year an incredible crowd of over 400 partook and enjoyed the welcome sunshine. This is a great opportunity for visitors and participants alike to enjoy a unique spectacle with two miles of tractors expected.

For the first time ever, this year will see the arrival of the Traffic Light Party. Wear Red if you’re taken, Orange if you fit into the “Try Me” category and Green if you’re Single. The party kicks off the weekend on Friday 29^th April the Step House Hotel, Borris.

Due to popular demand and for the third year running, the women are again taking to the tractor driving seat to kick off this years’ festival with their own dedicated Ladies Tractor Run on Saturday 30^th April. This will be followed by a night of entertainment and craic with an “Oil Up” in the Green Drake Inn, Borris.

The next day, Sunday 1^stMay sees the Lads and Lassies Tractor Run roll out of Borris around midday for a 26 mile road run. Afterwards from 4.30pm, all with gather in The Step House, Borris for a barbeque, pig roasting, thrashing, music and lots of entertainment. So, mark your diary, get your sponsorship card organised and join all the other Tractor Nuts and Nutettes for what promises to be one of the best years ever.

For further information on the Tractor Run, Maps and Sponsorship Cards contact

Brian on (086) 2595281 Denis on (059) 9773551

To date more than €125,000 has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Kidney Association. Let’s aim to collectively increase that figure in 2011 and have a very enjoyable day out too! All are encouraged to take to the road with their tractors and that includes the Ladies, who had a very successful dedicated Ladies Tractor Run for the first time ever in 2009.

VINTAGE & HARVEST SHOW

March 23rd, 2011

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URLINGFORD PARADE PHOTOS

March 22nd, 2011

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MORE PHOTOS IN GALLERY PAGE SOON

CHIEFTAIN FORGE FORKLIFT

March 21st, 2011

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ROAD RUN NEXT SUNDAY

March 20th, 2011

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ROAD RUN NEXT SUNDAY IN ARDATTIN CO CARLOW IN AID OF CRUMLIN CHILDREN HOSPITAL AND BARRETSTOWN

MORE DETAILS CALL 087 2519097

Crosslow Fundraisers

This is the route for next Sunday’s (March 27) Vintage & Classic Car Run in aid of Barretstown and St John’s Child Cancer Ward in Crumlin.

Ardatin (Start time 11:30am)

Tullow

Castledermot, head back towards Carlow

up on the motorway (Exit 4)

Off the motorway at Powerstown (Exit 5)

Royal Oak

Bagnelstown

Fenagh

Ballon

Kildavin

Clonegal

and back to Ardatin

I was in St John’s ward in Crumlin this morning and the nurses have expressed their thanks in advance. As you know they are trying to raise €1.9 Million this year for to upgrade bone marrow transplant facilities on the ward, without any help from the HSE.

I’ve also been in contact with Barretststown who also express their thanks and wish us the very best of good luck with the Run.

“On average a little more than three children in Ireland are diagonosed with cancer evey week….. ” Prof Eoin Smith

Kind regards

Ronan Jackman

for and on behalf of

Crosslow Fundraisers.