Sunday, January 30th, 2011 at
1:52 pm
Martin and Gwen Connolly are happy to host a SUPERBOWL PARTY for all VBAC members on Sunday, February 6, 2011! The game begins at 3:30…but since the Pre-Show is sometimes half the fun, we invite everyone to come any time after 2:00 p.m. We will provide beer, wine and soda and will have a nice big pot of CHILI. We would ask that guests bring their favorite APPETIZER or DESSERT to share with others. If you want something other than the above-noted beverages….BYOB!
We hope to see as many members for a fun afternoon of food, spirits and FOOTBALL!
Thanks….please let us know if you have any questions.
Martin Connolly
Thursday, January 27th, 2011 at
9:43 pm
When?: Saturday, February 19th, at 9:30AM
Where?: Meet at Simonian Farms – 2629 South Clovis Avenue, Fresno, SE corner of Clovis and Jensen Avenues
What are we doing? You Ask!
We’ll be meeting at Simonian Farms at 9:30AM for a quick hello and leaving at 9:45AM for a short run through the country side. After this short run, we will end up in downtown Fresno. I will be handing out maps and information about several historical homes in Fresno. This will be a self guided tour viewing the historical homes from the street. After our viewing, I’ll be hungry, so off to El Torito Mexican Restaurant for lunch. After lunch, for the more adventurous ones who may be thirsty, off to the Full Circle Brewing for a pint. Then….the end…that is all!! Time for a nap!
Sunday, January 16th, 2011 at
11:05 pm
Valley British Auto Club member Wes Creswick is the current owner of a rare 1948 Alvis TA14 Tickford Drop Head Coupe. One of 79 Tickford bodied cars produced from 1947 to 1950. Only 26 Tickford bodied cars are known to exist at this time. Mr. Creswick purchased the car from an owner in Connecticut. In February 2008 he had it shipped to British Steel Restorations in Fresno, California and had a “rolling restoration” started.
A little history:
The Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd produced cars in Coventry, England from 1919 to 1967. The true origin of the Alvis name is unknown. The first car made was a Model 10/30 produced in 1919. In 1923 a overhead valved engine Model 12/50 was made. In 1933 the world’s first full synchromesh gear box was produced by Alvis. At the start of WWII all auto production was ceased and Alvis produced parts for the Rolls Royce aircraft engines and parts for light tanks. The auto production line was severely damaged by a German air raid on Coventry in 1940. The first post war car produced by Alvis was the TA14 based on the pre-war 12/70. It was powered by an 1892 cc engine with a single SU carburetor that produced 65hp and a top speed of 74 miles per hour with a 0 – 60 time of 22.2 seconds.
Due to the lack of materials available, mainly steel, Alvis used several coach builders to build the bodies. This ranged from panel/delivery trucks to drop head coupes. Tickford was known for their elegant use of aluminum over wood styling limiting the use of steel in the fabrication of the car bodies.
A year and a half later the rolling restoration was completed.
Mr. Creswick’s TA 14 is San Marino Red and Cream with a Biscuit interior. The engine has been completely overhauled. It has a 3 position drop top, two big suicide doors, it is right hand drive, and has no hydraulic brakes. Driving the car with the top up on the roads in California can only be described as scary at best. Driving top down is the most enjoyable and the car is quite spirited for in town and county roads. However, driving from the right hand side takes a little getting used to. A nice historical paper work trail has accompanied the car showing inspection stamps while it was in England and correspondence with the Alvis Owners Club from previous owners. The first reaction to the car is “Alvis? I’ve never heard of Alvis, who makes it?” It usually a good conversation starter. So if you are on the West Coast keep an eye out for the Alvis.
In 2010 Red Triangle bought the Alvis rights from Rover and is planning on producing new limited production cars. Stayed tuned.
by Rick Rogers
