Table Of ContentFor Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts
PRÆCLARVM
The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 6-17 December 2017
Bentley Bentayga
Field Sports by Mulliner
for Countryside Pursuits
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile præclarum Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. Royce, 1924
PRÆCLARVM
The National Journal of the
Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia
No. 6-17, December 2017
Features
Issue 293
Regular Items
Events Calendar 7277
From the Editor 7278
From the Federal President 7279
From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Chairman 7280
News from the Registers 7299
Book Reviews 7305
Market Place 7305
The underslung Chassis 1884 carries H.R.H.
The Prince of Wales, during an inspection of
the Royal Military College, Duntroon, June 21,
Articles and Features
1920. Read its full story on page 7282..
VALE, Richard John Knight (VIC). Præclarvm says its farewells to the 7281
longest serving member of the Victoria Branch and member of the Archive
team of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation.
The Three Australian Underslung London-Edinburgh Rolls-Royce 7282
Cars. Part II Chassis 1884. Ian Irwin (ACT) continues a series on the
special features of the London-Edinburgh bodied Rolls-Royce motor cars.
Gas to Go, Petrol Rationing during the Second World War. 7288
SHRF Historical Consultant, David Neely (NSW), tells of some of the
austerity measures employed to keep private cars running during WWII.
From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archives - Interesting 7290
Items in the SHRF Archives. Gilbert Ralph (VIC), Hon. Archivist of the
SHRF now delves into the motoring photograph Archives of the SHRF.
A Tale of Five Silver Wraiths. Martin Bennett (ACT) describes his life 7292 The 1912 Silver Ghost, Chassis Number 2018
shows the gas producer fitted to it during
long memories of 5 Silver Wraiths that were new to Australia at the time
WWII to allow the private vehicle to run
and were considered by him to be the finest cars Rolls-Royce ever made.
without rationed petrol. David Neely tells the
Phantom IIIs in Miniature 1:43 Models of the Best of the Best. 7295 story on page 7288.
Episode One Steve Stuckey (ACT) starts a 2 part series on his car
models of Phantom IIIs assembled as a tragic of that model.
Twenty Topics No 71 - On Damping a 20 HP. In this edition David 7299
Davis (NSW) discusses the need to avoid pushing 20 H.P. cars too hard
due to the engine’s rather rudimentary crankshaft friction damping.
Dame Joan Hammond, stands in England
front cover: with her much-loved Silver Wraith (WME18)
soon after acquiring it in 1954. Read Martin
Two luxury British brands: Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, and Purdey, Bennett’s story of the Silver Wraiths known by
manufacturers of some of the world’s fi nest shotguns; have partnered to design him during his youth on Page 7292.
the perfect Bentley Bentayga for fi eld sports enthusiasts. The pairing is a natural
fi t, as Bentley and Purdey share a passion for attention to detail and exquisite
craftsmanship. The result is a one-off SUV designed to take occupants to the fi nest
sporting events in total luxury, with all the accessories required for the perfect rural
adventure.
Photos courtesy of Bentley Motors Cars.
Club Website: www.rroc.org.au
Back Issues of Præclarvm: http://praeclarum.rroc.org.au/
A coupé model of the Phantom III that
Views expressed in Præclarvm are those of the individual writers. General Sikorski of the Polish Government in
Exile used in Britain during the War. See more
The deadline for the February 2018 issue is 15 January 2018.
of Steve Stuckey’s models on page 7259.
7276 PRÆCLARVM 6-17
Præclarvm (ISSN 0159-4583) is published six Events Calendar
times per year by the Federal Council of the Rolls-
Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. Whilst every Federal, Register & Overseas Events
care is taken to check information published, no
responsibility can be accepted for errors. Views 11-16 Apr 2018 2018 Federal Rally, Clare, South Australia Rory Poland 0422-163-827
expressed by the Editor and contributors are their
8-11 Jun SMART Rally, Cowra, NSW Bruce Duncan 02-9487-3095
own and do not necessarily refl ect the policies
of the Club. Nothing in this journal, including 14-17 Sep Derby Bentley Weekend Rally, Scone NSW Mal Henderson 0457-244-331
any advertisement, should be construed as
endorsement by the Editor or the Club of the quality 21-24 Sep Dawn Patrol XVI, TBA John Harriman 03-9598-6702
or suitability of any product, service or procedure.
Australian Capital Territory Branch - President: Ian Irwin
Change of Address: Members should notify their 3 Dec Terribly British Day, Queanbeyan Park, Queanbeyan Lawrie Nock 02-6230-3320
Branch Secretary (address below), not the Editor,
in the fi rst instance to advise change of address or New South Wales Branch - President: Bruce Duncan
non-receipt of an issue.
9 Dec Breakfast at Barnwell Park Golf Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
Contributions: Articles, letters and/or illustrations 20 Dec General Meeting, Barnwell Park Golf Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
for publication should be sent to the Editor, address
below. Articles should preferably be sent as Text fi le 13 Jan 2018 Motorlife Museum, Wollongong Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
on CD, or emailed to [email protected] (otherwise
17 Jan General Meeting, Barnwell Park Golf Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
as typed hard copy).
26 Jan Carnivale at Parramatta Park Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
Federal Executive
President: Neil Matthews, 11 Feb Long Run VIII: HARS February Tarmac Day Judith Merlin 0410-548-527
PO Box 443, Berwick, VIC, 3806 Queensland Branch - President: Frank Carroll
0408-995-720 (m)
Email: [email protected] 10 Dec Christmas Function & Awards Presentation, Twin Waters Frank Carroll 0418-775-963
Secretary: Steve McDonald, 14 Jan 2018 Car Park Capers Breakfast, Scarborough Brett Roberts 07-3353-9915
1/24 Homedale Cres, Connells Point, NSW, 2221
4 Feb Car Park Capers Breakfast Brett Roberts 07-3353-9915
02-8064-9900
Email: [email protected] 18 Feb “Mack the Knife” Luncheon at The Sharks, Gold Coast Glenn Cuffe 0409-593-696
Treasurer: Peter Chan,
South Australian Branch - President: David Furniss
PO Box 827, Fyshwick, ACT. 2609
02-6161-7316 4 Feb 2018 Breakfast Run Peter Forbes 0411-246-841
Email: [email protected]
Victoria Branch - President: Noel Baker
The Sir Henry Royce Foundation 11 Dec Ladies Lunch, Lyceum Club, City Brian Williams 0458-888-767
Russell Rolls,
14 Dec General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767
PO Box 140, South Yarra Vic, 3141.
0418-325-086 (m) 17 Dec Christmas Party, Luncheon, Panton Hill Brian Williams 0458-888-767
Email: [email protected]
11 Jan 2018 General Meeting, Iron Bark Station, Kilsyth South Brian Williams 0458-888-767
Federal Publications 21 Jan High Tea, Château Yering, Yering Brian Williams 0458-888-767
Præclarvm Editor: Tim Dean, 4 Feb Technical Section Meeting, LGSI, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767
1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146.
8 Feb General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767
0401-987-808 (m)
Email: [email protected] Western Australia Branch - President: Diane Magrath
Registrar (Chassis Plate):
10 Dec Christmas Luncheon Di Magrath 08-9291-6549
David Neely,
23/1 Bay Drive, Meadowbank, NSW, 2114. 14 Jan 2018 Combined Club run with MG and Luncheon Di Magrath 08-9291-6549
02-8084-8465 (h)
18 Feb Thrombolite/Vineyard Lunch Run Alan Dickson 08-9246-3295
Email: [email protected]
Mailing list: Ian Dunn,
40 Murranji Street, Hawker, ACT, 2614.
02-6278-3763 Email: [email protected]
Branch Secretaries
Australian Capital Territory: Peter Hyland,
PO Box 773, Mawson, ACT, 2606.
02-6286-4265 (h)
Email: [email protected]
New South Wales: Judith Merlin,
9 Twin Lakes Drive, Lake Haven, NSW, 2263.
0421-690-299 (m)
Email: [email protected]
Queensland: Glenn Cuffe,
87 Kauri Road, Ashgrove, Qld, 4060
Tel: 07-3366-6306 (h)
Email: [email protected]
South Australia: Peter Forbes,
PO Box 355, Welland, SA 5007
0411-246-841 Email: [email protected]
Victoria: Brian Williams,
PO Box 21, Kew, VIC, 3101.
0458-888-767 Email: [email protected]
Western Australia: Alan Dickson,
PO Box 590, Kalamunda, WA, 6926.
08-9246-3295 Email: [email protected]
Section Contacts Rolls-Royce Motors celebrates its first 13 years at the Home of Rolls-Royce at
Northern Territory: Keith Preston, Goodwood: above a Wraith is tested for leaks at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Goodwood. When
PO Box 1066, Palmerston, NT, 0831. Rolls-Royce Goodwood first opened in 2003, it employed 200 people, and produced just one
08-8983-1029 motor car a day. By the end of its first decade, the workforce had grown to more than 1,400
Tasmania: Mike Williams manufacturing the original Phantom then with the Ghost and Wraith and more than 20 cars
5 Caroda Court, Howrah, TAS, 7018 created a day. Today, Dawn has joined the collection and over 1,700 designers, engineers and
0418-478-947 crafts people reside at the Home of Rolls-Royce. (photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)
PRÆCLARVM 6-17 7277
F
rom the Editor
2018 Federal Rally: 60 years of collecting from the late Jim its longest serving member when Richard
This edition of Præclarvm has many Kelso (NSW), will also be offered for sale, Knight passed away in mid-November.
items leading to the 2018 Federal Rally. with 100% of the resultant sales, all also Richard was an active member of the
going to the SHRF. SHRF Archive and will be missed by the
2018 Documents.
Many hard-to-fi nd parts will be sold small group that support that activity, as
Firstly are the 2018 Rally Programme from Jim’s years of collecting. This event is well as many others in the Rolls-Royce
and Booking form pages included within not to be missed. family around Australia.
the mailing envelope. These will give you
Feedback on an Article in last Edition The SHRF also has a few advisory
the what, where and how much the whole
of Præclarvm 5-17: items in this edition:
event will entail. Your help in getting the
forms in as soon as possible will greatly Member Robert McDermott (VIC) has 2018 Calendar.
assist the Organisers get the numbers written to your Editor to add detail to the Page 7305 has details how everyone
and events tied down correctly. Please Phantom III article: Two Rolls-Royces in can purchase the SHRF’s 2018 calendar of
make note of the early-bird booking Canberra - Australia and Russia by David car photos, taken by Brian Carson (QLD)
date of 31st January 2018 after which Neely, published in Præclarvm No:5-17, of cars at the 2017 Canberra Federal Rally.
bookings will incur a cost penalty for your p7250. He notes that during the 1980s he Page 7279 has details of:
booking, So book early and take part in owned both the “Government” Phantom
the cost savings. IIIs (3AX99 & 3DL2), and for several years FJ Engish Photographic Award.
they were parked together in his workshop. Make sure you have your entry in for
Rally and Accommodation
Update. In regard to 3AX99: he purchased this this important competition and its $500
car after the garage and house fi re in Were prize. Entries close on February 28th.
Rory Poland, 2018 Rally Director,
Street, Brighton. The body was very badly Lionel Gell Art Awards.
has advised that, to-date everything is
damaged, but little else was spoilt except
progressing well. All venues, hiring and The painting and drawing Art Award to
for the instruments and steering wheel
early details are locked into place and close in July 2018.
which he was later able to acquire.
the Rally Committee is now planning on Foundation Research Award.
revisiting all the sites in late January. However, contrary to David’s article, the
Records the details of the Annual
original V12, engine No: E18W, was still
He also advised that a great selection Archive Research Award.
in the car and still in good working order.
of cars have been included in entries to-
There was also no evidence of a MK VI Season’s Greetings.
date with 17 pre-1940 cars entered in the
Bentley engine ever being fi tted. Margie joins me in wishing all members,
fi rst 40 entries, now received.
After he restored the fi re damage to their families and friends a most joyous
Since his last update, he advises too,
the chassis he sold the car to a friend who Christmas and a fabulous and prosperous
that 3 motel rooms have been cancelled
engaged him to completely restore the car. New Year. We look forward to seeing
as members have had changes in
Unfortunately, the friend’s poor health has everyone at the Clare Rally in the New
circumstance. These rooms are available,
slowed the project, but Robert is hoping Year.
at the time of printing, but member needs
to complete the restoration in the near Happy motoring,
to call Rory on 0422-163-827 to discuss
future. Tim Dean (Vic)
them as they are not available by calling
the motels directly. SHRF Items: GBK58, BSH20044
Rally Members’ Swap Table. It is noted that the Victoria Branch lost
Bob Roberts (NSW) has written to me
as the Swap Meet Co-ordinator for the up
coming Rally.
He advises that Members are asked to
bring along their surplus spare parts, if
they are wanting to sell them at the 2018
Federal Rally’s coming annual swap meet.
10% of the sale proceeds will go to the
SHRF to help in funding their on-going
activities.
At this year’s coming swap meet, 50-
Diamond Anniversary Federal Rally
Clare Valley
11-16 April 2018
Accommodation Update: Brochure and Registration Form
Limited Accommodation is still available in the Clare Valley as at Should you require additional copies please call Rory Poland on
mid-November 2017 0422-163-827 or email [email protected].
- Riesling Trail Cottages 08-8842-2131 Please indicate on your registration form
- The Mill Apartments 08-8842-1111 - Your accommodation venue
- The number of people attending each function you are
- Discovery Parks 1800-422-724
attending, including Concours and the Meet and Greet.
Other accommodation may be available through Bookin, AirBnB Numbers are needed for catering purposes.
and similar.
The Rally Team looks forward to meeting you in Clare in 2018
7278 PRÆCLARVM 6-17
F
rom the Federal President
It will only be a short time now until November. Next year would have been Christmas is now upon us, so many
we meet at Clare for the Federal Rally. his 60th year as a continuous member of you I am sure, will be gathering
Hopefully everyone has completed the of the Branch and our Club. A member with family and friends to celebrate the
registration form and returned it to the since 1958, Richard and his 1923 Silver festive season. All our Branches will be
SA Branch. The organisation of a Federal Ghost (97LK) has been involved in the holding Christmas functions to celebrate
Rally is so much easier when you have as Club since the mid-60s. His wonderful with friends and fellow car enthusiasts.
many attendees as possible registered Silver Ghost won ‘Vintage & Veteran’ and To all the volunteers in our Club who
well in advance of the commencement the ‘110 years of Rolls-Royce’ awards at have spent yet another year organising
date. Also may I suggest that if for some Motorclassica in 2016. Richard held many events and functions, I thank you
reason you are unable to attend the committee positions in the Branch and for your contribution to our Club and
Rally, that relinquish your room booking in later years was a foundation member to your fellow members. It is easy to
back to the rally organisers. This way of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation overlook the fact that all of our Branch
other Members’ on the waiting list will Archivists. Some years ago, he and his committees are made up of volunteers,
be able to book the accommodation. nephew Nicholas acquired, restored and who give up their time and energy to
I am looking forward to attending donated the Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine, organise events and activities for our
the NSW Branch presentation evening which is now at Bill Allsep House. The enjoyment. Please support them by
and formal dinner at the Roseville golf Avon of course was the engine fi tted attending the various activities that are
club this weekend. It coincides with the in the locally built Canberra bomber. organised for you.
Sir Henry Royce Foundation meeting On behalf of all members we pass our On behalf of Louise, myself and the
in Sydney on the Saturday and the Sir sincere condolences to James, together Federal Executive, we wish all members
Henry Royce Foundation meeting will be with Richard’s family and friends. and their families a very happy and
one of my last attendances as Federal Over the months, as I have been safe Christmas and a prosperous and
President. In relation to the Federal reading and enjoying each issue of enjoyable New Year.
Executive, I have heard from a number Præclarvm and the various Branch Until next time, safe travels.
of members who have shown interest in newsletters that I receive, it struck me Neil Matthews (VIC)
taking on the role of Federal Secretary that we have an extremely
or Federal Treasurer. However no one talented group of
as yet has made a fi rm commitment. I contributors. The articles
assure you that the tasks are not too printed in our magazines and
arduous and both positions give great newsletters are interesting,
satisfaction to the incumbent executive. entertaining and innovative
However it is time now for others to pick in many cases. They often
up the baton and move the Club forward. amuse while imparting useful
Please give me a call on 0408-995-720 knowledge and insights on
to discuss if you wish to enquire about their subject matter. So to
either position. all our contributors, thank
It is my sad duty to report that Richard you for taking the time and
Knight, a very well respected and long- effort to help make all of our
term member of the Victorian Branch, publications so interesting,
passed away suddenly on the 16th informative and enjoyable.
The Sir Henry Royce Sir Henry Royce The Sir
Foundation Foundation Henry Royce
Foundation
in conjunction with
F J Engish Award for
the Sherbrooke Art Society Inc. Research Award
Club Photography for
introduces: The Foundation “Archive” has a
2017 THE LIONEL GELL ART significant collection of historical material
on both Rolls-Royce and Bentley in Australia
AWARDS 2018 in general and on RROCA and individual
Entries are invited for the 2017 F J Engish Branch activities in particular. To encourage
Award for Club Photography. The winner Painting and Drawing Awards for the publication of research based on this
important archive material, the Trustees
receives a cash prize of $500. 2-Dimensional artwork which must
have initiated The Sir Henry Royce
The competition is open to members of depict one or more Rolls-Royce or Foundation Research Award. This Award,
the RROCA and the photograph must
Bentley motor cars in an Australian, with a prize of $500, will be awarded
be taken at a RROCA event in 2017 with historical or romantic setting. annually to the person who, in the opinion
one photograph per member. The criteria of the Trustees, has made the best use
being a photograph that exemplifi es the of The Foundation “Archive” to research a
Enter by 15th July 2018. Delivery
“spirit” of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor topic of Rolls-Royce and Bentley interest
cars and of the “friendly atmosphere” of by 21st July. Opening and Awards and who has published this research
Announcement: 7pm Saturday 28th in “Præclarvm” or in wider distirbution,
Club outings, taken into account will be
July, publicly available media.
the “artistic composition”of the subject
material. Exhibition on until 12th August. The key driver of this award is the use
Collection 12th August of The Foundation “Archive” as the basis
of the research and the publication of the
Entries close on 28 February 2018. results of this research. The Award is open
$A10,000 in Prize Money
The Winner will be announced at the to all, not just Members of the RROCA.
(prizes are acquisitive)
2018 Federal Rally Awarded Annually, the Research
at Clare, SA, in April. Award Winner for the previous year
Please email entries to the Full conditions and entry form available will be announced
Præclarvm Editor at [email protected] from at the Annual RROCA Federal Rally
www.sherbrookegallery.com
PRÆCLARVM 6-17 7279
F
rom The Sir Henry Royce Foundation
Vale – Richard Knight member. Frank is in the process of photographs and movies of early
It is with great sadness that the putting together this Committee. RROCA events and people. We seek
Trustees record the passing of Barry Sparks reports that “on your assistance in this regard.
Richard Knight. (A tribute to Richard Saturday afternoon, 11th November, If you have any old 35mm slides
can be found on the opposite page) we hosted a small group of invited we have a device for converting them
Richard was one of the original Club Members and associates to come into digital format – either CD or
volunteers who, over a long period, for Afternoon Tea and to see the USB stick. We are looking for really
have assisted Archivist Gilbert Ralph progress at the “Sub-Archive” that has good shots of cars and individual
in the conservation and cataloguing been made to date. Their attitude and portraits of historic interest to the
of the documentation and artefacts response was very positive and their Club. All photographs need to be
in The Foundation’s collection. comments indicated that we are doing identified and dated. If you want
Richard’s encyclopaedic knowledge of a very good thing. They all seemed your treasured slides copied onto
the personalities and cars associated to be very impressed. There were a a CD we can offer that service at a
with the Rolls-Royce and Bentley number of offers of memorabilia etc. moderate cost. If you have finished
movement over the past 60 years for inclusion in the collection. An with these photographs, please
has been invaluable. Our thoughts ex-member of the Club, Tony Lee, donate them for incorporation into
are with Richard’s partner, James arrived with a “boot load” of photos The Foundation’s collection.
Baxter, and his extended family. and memorabilia to donate. We also We are considering purchasing a
Sub-Archive Queensland received a Merlin Piston-Gudgeon- device that will copy Super8 movies
Con Rod Assembly, donated by Brian
onto a DVD but before doing so we
Parker. Our work force (volunteers)
would like to know if there are any
has increased by five friends, who,
amateur movie makers out there
when they found out what we were
who have Super8 movies of RROCA
doing asked - “What can we do to
events. If there is sufficient demand
help?” I believe progress at the Sub-
we would be willing to provide a
Archive has been very good given we
copying service at a modest cost
started with empty rooms and a lot
and supply a DVD copy to the
of boxes of material to be catalogued
Member.
and sorted”.
If you are interested in having your
above: Volunteers (l-r) David MacArthur and
Ann Sparks is assisting Barry with
Richard Knight discuss an Archive document slides and Super8 movies digitised
at Bill Allsep House. please contact The Foundation’s
Honourary Archivist, Gilbert Ralph by
As has been noted in previous e-mail – archive@roycefoundation.
issues of “Praeclarvm”, the Trustees com.au - describing the nature and
agreed to the establishment of a extent of your collection.
“Sub-Archive” in Queensland. It
Trustees Meeting – Sydney,
was proposed that this Sub-Archive
November 25
would house all the material that
had been donated to The Foundation The Meeting considered a number
by Queensland RROCA Members, of major agenda items. I would
supplemented by duplicate material above: Queensland members can inspect the highlight the work that Jeanne Eve is
from the main “Archive” at Bill publications in the QLD Archive Library. doing to modernise and improve The
Allsep House. Following my visit the accession and cataloguing of the Foundation’s “marketing” activities
to Queensland on September 27, documentation and artefacts, following and public profile.
I can report we have finalised all the same system and methodology as Donations of Material for the
necessary arrangements and that is used in the main BAH “Archive”. The “Archive”
the “Sub-Archive – Queensland” is Trustees pay tribute to Barry and Ann
The Foundation “Archive” is an
now operational at premises in the for their excellent work is establishing
important repository for all historical
Brisbane suburb of Geebung. These the “Sub-Archive – Queensland”. It
documentation relating to the RROCA,
premises have been made available
the Club Branches, and Rolls-Royce
by a generous supporter of The
and Bentley in Australia.
Foundation – there is no cost involved
Since the last edition of
to The Foundation.
“Praeclarvm” there have been
Long-standing RROC Queensland
further donations of material to the
Branch Member, Barry Sparks, has
“Archive”. The following people
been appointed Curator of the “Sub-
made donations of a wide variety
Archive – Queensland”. A Committee
of interesting documentation: Ron
of Management is being formed
Aubrey, Pamela Barber, Margaret
to oversee the governance and
Gillings, Eric Henderson, Len King,
above: (l-r) David Vann and Frank Carroll
management of the “Sub-Archive”.
John Link, Margaret Miller, Allan
discuss an Archive item at the meeting on
Given the requirements of the
11 November, 2017. Simpson, Steve Stuckey and Brian
Trustees that all Foundation assets be
Williams.
is proposed to hold a formal Opening
under the custodianship of a Trustee,
Ceremony, probably in early March If you have books, photographs
this Committee of Management will
2018. or any material of historical interest
be chaired by Frank Carroll. It is
relating to matters Rolls-Royce or
proposed that there will be two further Digitising 35mm Slides and
Bentley please give consideration to
members of this Committee. Ideally, Super8 Movies
donating them to The Foundation.
the President of the Queensland The Foundation “Archive” is keen
Branch of the RROCA should be a to build upon its collection of colour Russell Rolls
Chairman Of Trustees
7280 PRÆCLARVM 6-17
VALE
Richard John Knight (VIC)
Richard Knight was the longest serving told the large assembled crowd about
member of the Victoria Branch of the Richard’s life – how he was born on 15th
Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia having November 1939 to Herbert and Bernice
joined on the 14th August 1958, sixteen Knight. He attended Glen Iris Primary
months after the Branch was established. School, Spring Road Central and then Wesley
He was appointed Secretary of the Branch a College where he formed a friendship with
year later, Treasurer during 1965-67 and Vice David MacArthur. They discovered they had a
President in the mid-1980s. mutual interest in motor cars. Richard studied
His fi rst Rolls-Royce was a 1923 Silver for an Accounting Diploma at Swinburne
Ghost 97LK which he initially shared with his College and for many years worked at ACI
long-time friend John Griffi ths but he took in many roles, including that of Paymaster.
over John’s interest in 1964. 97LK is a car When the company was taken over Richard
with an interesting history. It is a long chassis took on a senior role with Hay Management
model which was imported by Dalgety & Co Consultants in Melbourne as a Remuneration
for A H Davie of Yarramundi in the Melbourne Consultant.
suburb of Elwood. It was fi tted with an Andrew Browne, Richard’s nephew,
elegant touring body by Waring Bros and paid tribute to Richard and the signifi cant
appeared at the Melbourne Motor Show that infl uence he had had on his life. He described
year. It later carried a number of dignitaries the warm family relationships which had
including the Duke and Duchess of York in been inspired by him.
1927, the Governor, Lord Huntingfi eld in Among his early exploits Richard
1934 and Archbishop Mannix. It carries its and his fellow adventurer, Peter Thorne,
original Victorian registration plate, 788. travelled from Melbourne to England by
Richard’s interest in motor cars was road in a Volkswagen delivery van via
inspired by his father ‘Herb’ Knight an early, and over subsequent years became a regular Singapore, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Pakistan,
and leading Australian aeronautical engineer participant in its tours and social events. Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran, Greece, Italy,
who was General Manager and a Director of Richard’s extraordinary knowledge of all Switzerland, France and Holland. He delighted
Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) things Rolls-Royce came to the fore when many friends with his vivid description of the
and himself an enthusiastic motorist. Herb he became a supporter of the Sir Henry trials and tribulations of such an expedition.
had built up a very sporty roadster which Royce Foundation (Australia) and joined its Richard was a man of many interests
was called a ‘Lea Alford’. In fact, it had a Archive team. His speciality lay in identifying as David MacArthur related in his tribute to
Lea-Francis chassis, an Alvis front end and and cataloguing thousands of sometimes him. Apart from the early interest in vintage
was powered by a Ford V8 motor. This was incompletely described photographs of cars motoring David reminded us of Richard’s
Richard’s fi rst car, and later his brother’s fi rst and people which have been donated to the eclectic love of music, his passion for Chinese,
car. After many years in storage, Richard fully Archive from members all over Australia. His Japanese and Korean ceramics, Australian
restored it, and used it regularly for many encyclopaedic knowledge and vivid recall of wood-fi red pottery, early stem glass ware,
years. In addition, Richard’s motor house cars and people will be sorely missed at the antique furniture, fi ne art, classic literature
contains a 1976 Corniche, CRH22516, and a Archive. and travel. Richard shared many of these
Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe. Richard, and his nephew Nicholas interests with James Baxter, his partner of 44
Richard undertook a complete restoration Knight, donated a Rolls-Royce Avon aero years.
of 97LK over many years which included an engine to the Foundation which they had Sadly, Richard was diagnosed with the
engine rebuild, repainting and refurbishment faithfully restored. This particular engine incurable Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma nineteen
of the woodwork. He maintained this very was manufactured in Australia by CAC under years ago but after robust and near-fatal
impressive car in a meticulous manner. It licence from Rolls-Royce. It was donated in effects of chemotherapy it had remained in
has won the Silver Ghost Class at numerous memory of, and to honour, the pioneering remission since 2000. Later, an almost-blocked
Victorian events and more recently ‘Best work done by Herb Knight into jet engines artery to the heart involved inserting a single
Vintage and Veteran Car on Show’ and ‘Best whilst in charge of CAC, and its affi liation with stent. A check-up with his cardiologist in June
Rolls-Royce’ at the 2016 MotorClassica in Rolls-Royce. this year showed that all was apparently quite
Melbourne. At a Memorial Service held on 24th well, but it was a massive heart attack the
In his youth Richard was one of the November, Michael Lynch, the Civil Celebrant, morning after his 78th birthday that led to his
founding members of premature demise.
the Vintage Drivers Richard was a
Club and among his remarkable man with
cars was a 1920 Buick a generous spirit,
six, a 1929 Cadillac a quiet pleasant
Drop-head Coupe and manner, an astute
a Mark IV Jaguar all mind and a quirky
of which he restored. sense of humour. He
He later became a will be missed by all
member of the Rolls- who knew him.
Royce Enthusiasts Gilbert Ralph HLM
Club in UK, the Silver Honorary Archivist
Ghost Association and SHRF
when the 20 Ghost above: Richard John
Club (Australian Knight (1939-2017)
Chapter) was formed left: Richard and his
Richard became a 1923 Long Wheelbase
Silver Ghost,
foundation member
Waring Bros Tourer.
PRÆCLARVM 6-17 7281
The Three Australian Underslung London-Edinburgh
Rolls-Royce Cars. Part II, Chassis 1884.
Ian Irwin (ACT)
In the previous issue, Ian ventured into the divergence from Company practice that saw the creation of the sporting
London-Edinburgh Rolls-Royce cars. Then followed the revelation that only fi fteen of these London-Edinburgh cars
were manufactured fi tted with rear cantilever underslung, or ‘grasshopper springs’ as they were referred to at the
factory. Only fi ve of the fi fteen survive, with three of these having long-term connections with Australian owners.
In that article, Ian reviewed the history of Chassis 1826E, Claude Johnson’s car ‘The Mystery.’ In this issue, Ian
deals with the second of the three Australian underslung cars. In the next issue, we will conclude this trilogy with
the intriguing history of Chassis 1958.
The Underslung Silver Ghost, the local historical society. The car (NSW) 19017, so we may presume
Chassis 1884. however, was painted in what was that the Humphreys enjoyed the
Chassis 1884 was the eleventh described as a silver-grey fi nish car for several years in the UK prior
of the 15 London-Edinburgh with interior upholstery and fi nish to importing it into Australia. Bert
underslung chassis constructed, to match. As with many early Silver Ward, of the Sydney Depot, later
and the fi rst of these superb Ghosts, it was soon to move to its recalled the car’s grey-blue fi nish ‘a
cars to arrive in Australia. It next owner. In 1913 it was with very pretty and sporting colour.’
had been ordered with 5-seater D.T. Brown of Cheshire, believed In March of 1913, an American
Tourer coachwork constructed to be the founder of the famous Underslung, unconventional, 50HP
by Mulliners of Birmingham and seed merchant company of that car driven by Albert V. Turner, the
delivered via W. Watson and Co, name. 1884 was on the market car’s Sydney agent, competing in
of 55-58 Renshaw St, Liverpool. yet again in 1914, and acquired by an RAC Hillclimb on the famous
Watson was one of the fi rst Rolls- Mr & Mrs A. Humphrey of Dalley Razorback Range of the old
Royce Agents, commencing in Avenue, Vaucluse in Sydney’s
1908, having become committed Eastern Suburbs. As with the below upper: Mulliners Ltd of Birmingham
to the marque while driving one other two Australian L-E cars, we crafted the tourer coachwork on Chassis
1884, the tenth underslung London-Edin-
of the early 60500 series cars the are fortunate to have a copy of an
burgh chassis. It will be noted the bodywork
previous year. original coachbuilder’s photograph is quite high-sided. The car passed its tests
of this car.
The fi rst owner of the 1912 on 29th March, 1912, just two weeks after
Chassis 1884 was George A. There is no record of the car in Claude Johnson’s car, Chassis 1826E.
Burrows of Heswell, Cheshire. 1917 NSW Registration records, below: A period chassis illustration of the
Attempts to locate descendants of but it makes its appearance in Indianapolis-built car, called the American
the Heswell family have failed, and 1918, registered in the name of Ada Underslung. The concept is unlike any con-
indeed, the surname is unknown to Humphrey, and carrying the plate ventional suspension, with the chassis itself
fully inverted.
7282 PRÆCLARVM 6-17
