The Armstrong Siddeley Car Club
 

Most Marvellous Motors at the Maitland Rally

Sid reviews some of the Most Marvellous Motors at the Maitland Rally.

I came away from the 2014 Federal Rally at Maitland thinking how I could reduce the fine cars presented to a personal select few. In reflection, identifying the Best at Bendigo at the 2013 National Rally appeared to be a comparatively easy task.

The first car of my Maitland selection is a 1929 20 HP Saloon from Queensland. Very much a motoring marvel of the period. The car has provided its owner with many joys and tribulations and is a determined Rally attendee.

The second car is listed as a 1948 16 HP Hurricane from our National Capital, Canberra. A recent acquisition, displayed here in gentle rural surroundings suitable to an Armstrong Siddeley car of such an elegant period. To the fortunate owner I dips my lid.

Next came a 1950 18 HP Lancaster from NSW that provides the owner with some individual challenges. In time, this Lancaster with such a definite colour should become a very showy vehicle endearing itself to it's owner. Here's hoping that the partnership will stay together for a very long time. Oh, I think the Hunter Valley Red I have been tippling is starting to effect my judgement!

And here is the piece de resistance presented at Maitland, a 1950 18 HP Hurricane that has recently received the ultimate in Sydney restorations. This car has many secret admirers. The Hurricane in some people's opinion is a car concept that Armstrong Siddeley should really have followed through given the enthusiasm for sports cars in the 1950's.

The 1951 Station Coupe again from New South Wales is a very fine example of a vehicle developed to meet a number of requirements. The country conveyance for town and small post war family needs equipped with short tray for transporting rural supplies and farm use. A frugal time when family resources extended to one vehicle, many Station Coupes and Utilities were literally worked until they died.



The final car I felt deserved to be included in the Most Marvellous Motors at Maitland is this beautiful 1960 Star Sapphire from Canberra. Its supreme elegance matched with a patriotic Union Jack caught my eye. The wind was driving hard as the flag shows - but what a car to dream about!

To all these fortunate, dedicated, proud owners, I raise my glass.

Until my next report.....

The Armstrong Siddeley Car Club
Armstrong Siddeley Car Club The Court House 325 High Street Learmonth VIC 3352
Phone Cameron Wright, President, 0408 595 461
ACN 001 059 212
Email president@armstrongsiddeley.org.au
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