Engine Record Tales

Engine record searches have ramped up over the last couple of months with some 40 requests.

A few notables were:-

-          A 1913 Fiat that was taken to England

-          A 1951 Jowett Jupiter which proved a challenge to get re-registered but was eventually successful after finding the original registration details.

-          A Canadian Military Pattern Blitz. Its record was found in the amongst the Ford Microfilm records.

A couple of requests were based on an old photograph with a number plate. One eventually proved to be a 1934 Studebaker and another, a 1925 AJS Motor Cycle. In another case it was just a number plate found in a shed.  That proved to be 1928 Minerva.  Whilst we don’t always find the answer the thrill of the hunt is always there.

These search activities prove to be forever interesting hunting for Makes I have never heard of eg Lanchesters or Jowetts each with their special identifiers and codes. First time for any make opens up a new world of things to Google and understand.  We had our first Datsun and Subaru but still waiting for a Toyota so we can blow the barn dust of those old boxes in the back room.

Then we have those vehicles that we don’t have in our index like the Blitz and Messerschmits. They must be there somewhere but don’t know where so we started a watch list in case we fall over them in the future. The Blitz was tracked down as being a Ford Truck ex Army. 

A couple of VWs proved challenging especially when the original engine has been replaced and all you have is a chassis number.  Relatively easy with a Holden or a Ford but not a VW. By Box number 10 we eventually found the first one. Brendan Pell from the VW club has volunteered  to work with us to find his and he is currently up to Box #3. This is a great opportunity to get to know fellow enthusiasts and their cars.

We have had a couple of approaches from clubs to work on their set of records and add to a growing list of special interest databases  which speeds up searches and enables finding Regos and Chassis when Engine Nos are unknown .

If you or your club has an interest to get involved please contact AOMC.

p.s.  We haven’t found that 1st Holden Ute yet but we are getting closer!!!

Regards

Andrew Alkemade

On behalf of the AOMC Archive Team