Rob's Torana 08 December 2015 10:00 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareWe here at Rare Spares eat, sleep and breathe classic cars. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion. So, what do we do when we leave the office after helping Rare Spares customers restore their cars? We restore our own of course. Our Graphic Designer, Rob Mackey, is a case in point. His beloved 1971 LC Holden Torana two-door that still presents in its factory Rally Red hue and Sandalwood trim, is not just a car to him; it is part of the family. Originally sold in 1971 from Reg Hunt Rhodes in South-East Melbourne, Rob stumbled upon “Cherry” on eBay some 34 years later during the Easter weekend of 2005. With $2000 in hand (and $2000 in his shoes!) he eventually purchased the car from a well-known drag racer in Thomastown for $3800 and jumped straight on the boat back to Tasmania. Still running its original 161 motor and trimatic gearbox, Rob quickly swapped this out for a 186 that would eventually make way for the worked 202 red motor that still powers the old girl to this day. Not content with a standard 202, many of the original parts have been replaced. Rob rebuilt the motor himself into a classic Hot Street Combo including all the usual upgrades, such as; Stage 3 Yella Terra head, Roller Rockers, aftermarket cam shaft, Starfire rods, extractors, electronic ignition and a 38DGMS Webber carburettor off a V6 Ford Capri. Next on the “to do” list was the transmission, which was changed from the original column shift Trimatic transmission to a floor shift Celica five speed gearbox. At the same time the original 2.78 Banjo was replaced with a lower ratio 3.55 limited slip version. The suspension has all been upgraded with improved springs and shocks, coupled with front and rear sway bars to firm up the ride, while the brake booster, callipers, rotors and 13X6 Sprintmaster wheels were upgraded to LJ GTR XU-1 spec. Inside, there’s a Bond half alloy roll cage. Rare Spares came to the rescue for the next addition, supplying the reproduction steering wheel and centre console from a LC GTR Torana. Cherry sat then for several years while Rob worked and travelled overseas. Rob, who does all the mechanical work himself, recently cut some rust out of it and welded in new bits which came from RSP and is getting painted as I type this blog. Due to the odometer, which is off a 1973 LJ Torana, only going to 99,000km, its mileage is a bit of an unknown, but Rob thinks he’s done about 30,000km in it in the past 10 years. Cherry is Rob’s third Torana, and is bringing it back over from Tassie to its spiritual home of Victoria in January. His first car was a 1970 LC S four door, followed by a 1973 LJ SL four door. (Guess where his current speedo came from?) Rob says he’ll never sell this one, even though he estimates it is worth in excess of $20,000. He would like another one… but also always had a bit of a soft spot for early Monaros. Rob is also an long-time member of the www.gmh-torana.com.au internet forum which is proudly supported by Rare Spares.
Phillip Island Extravaganza! 04 December 2015 10:19 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareIt was the mid-seventies. ABBA and The Bay City Rollers were on the airwaves. Jaws and Picnic at Hanging Rock was on at the drive-in and Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Old Parliament House to make his famous “Dismissal” speech. At the same time, a fledgling car parts company was just beginning in the residential basement of a Melbourne suburb. 40 years later, Rare Spares is still growing and we’re stronger than ever! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Rare Spares headed to Phillip Island for the final event of the Touring Car Masters. To add to the party atmosphere, Rare Spares was also celebrating our 10 year partnership with motorsport racing royalty, John Bowe. “We’re lucky enough to be celebrating 40 years in business this week and it’s great to be down here at Phillip Island celebrating with the Touring Car Masters people,” said David Rayner, the proud General Manager of Rare Spares. “Who would have thought Rare Spares would grow to be a multi-million dollar company when we started selling old 48 215 FJ parts. But over the years, thanks to our great staff and great customers, we’ve been able to make many, many thousands of car parts. And by doing so, we’re keeping these wonderful old classic cars on the road. "To help us, we employed John Bowe 10 years ago as our ambassador. And since we’ve had John, our business has boomed. John has got us into motorsports and we’re putting money back into the sport. We are very lucky to have John and to be involved in several sponsorships.” John Bowe was also on hand to talk about this proud milestone. “This is the 40th anniversary of Rare Spares,” beamed JB. “They started with a couple of guys in a little garage and now they make the most amazing variety of over 50,000 parts for Aussie cars. The fact that they’ve been in business for forty years means most of the classic cars in Australia that are still on the road, owe something to Rare Spars. "It’s also my 10th anniversary as a Rare Spares ambassador. They’re great people, they make great parts. Happy Birthday guys and girls and keep up the good work!” he added. With two TCM races on Saturday and one on Sunday, John couldn’t sit around eating the seven kilo 40th birthday cake we had specially made. He had work to do! Race one saw drama at the first turn on the first lap when a competitor’s gearbox blew up, spilling oil on the track. With everyone circulating behind the safety car while the clean-up got underway, by the time they’d finished, the race was almost over, leaving only one lap of real “pedal to the metal” racing. The victory finally went to JB, with everyone only getting half points due to spending most of the race behind the safety car. Race two also went to John, which put him in the enviable position of really just having to turn up to clinch the TCM ProMaster title. Sunday’s race and the final one for 2015 saw an awesome battle between JB and Steve Johnson, with Johnson eventually taking the victory and John not far behind. More importantly however was that JB was able to secure the 2015 title, his fourth one since joining the series! Congratulations John! On the Thursday afternoon before the race weekend began and as part of their commitment to men’s health, Rare Spares and Men’s Shed hosted an event at the local Philip Island RSL. Two TCM cars: Andrew Fischer’s 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO and Cameron Tilley’s 1969 Valliant Pacer turned up. Men’s Shed put on a beaut BBQ, some of the guys came down from their local “Sheds “and even John Bowe was there for a personal one on one chat about what he’s doing and his racing. An action packed and fun filled weekend for all involved, “extravaganza” might be an understatement!
Mount Panorama Bathurst 24 November 2015 12:14 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareThe regional city of New South Wales, Bathurst, is home to the widely renowned Mount Panorama Circuit - one of the most fearsome motor racing circuits in the world. The track, which is a public road for most of the year, holds the Bathurst 12 hour motor race each February and the Bathurst 1000 motor race each October. Mount Panorama is open to the public on non-race days, however if you intend on bringing out your inner ‘Lowndes’, unfortunately a strict speed limit of 60km/h is enforced (sorry!). Unique in its rural setting, the remarkable track is 6.213km long with a 174-metre vertical difference at its highest and lowest points. In its infancy, dating back as early as the 1960s, the race was dominated by the smaller cars until the development of Ford’s 289 cubic inch V8 Ford Falcon GT. The smaller cars were no match for the big V8 which dominated the Mount on the long up hills and down hills, ultimately changing the face of racing at Mount Panorama forever. Subsequently, manufacturers country-wide attempted to tame the mountain with their vehicles, as success at the track would greatly increase the car’s image and credibility in the Australian marketplace, thus increasing sales. Ongoing rivalry at this time between Ford, Holden and earlier Chrysler bred the era of our much-loved muscle cars including the Holden Monaro and Torana, the Ford Falcon GT and later GT-HO Super Falcon, and Chrysler's Pacer and Charger. It was also not long after where we were introduced to the late legend Peter Brock, crowned “King of the Mountain” after going on to successfully capture nine Bathurst 1000 victories. Since 1999, Ford and Holden have lead the pack by miles in the Bathurst 1000, with crowd numbers rapidly increasing each year… and this year was no exception. An enormous 201,416 fans joined the adrenalin rush and excitement of Bathurst, the second highest ever attendance topping last year’s crowd of 195,261!
The Vehicle Proving Ground 17 November 2015 01:48 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareHave you driven a Ford or Holden that’s less than half a century old? If so, before that car made it to the showroom and then eventually to your good self, the first models of its type off the production line would have gone through testing, just to make sure everything was tickety-boo. But we're not talking about a couple of spins round the block and a “She’ll be right mate.” On the contrary, nothing could be further from the truth. Australia’s first automotive testing and development complex was Lang Lang, 95 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. The 2167 acre site was purchased by Holden in 1955 with the first testing of the FC in 1957. Still in operation, Lang Lang runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week apart from public holidays. The high security facility consists of 44 kilometres of roads, consisting of every conceivable road condition, from the high speed banked ring road to skid pans and ride and handling tracks with different levels of surface, grip and road noise. And those roads and tracks have been well used, with over 111 million kilometres of testing being accumulated over the years. The recent VF Commodore had racked up over 1.1 million kilometres of testing alone. Besides the massive network of test roads is also Australia’s most comprehensive vehicle safety and emissions laboratory. Ford’s version of its vehicle proving ground lies near the You Yangs, 55 kilometres to the south-west of Melbourne. The 2300 acre site which began operation in 1965 consists of over 80 kilometres of the same type of torturous roads and tracks found at Lang Lang. Cobblestones, corrugations and Belgian blocks are par for the course along with a low speed track, a high speed ride and handling course and sealed and unsealed gradients and skid pans. The fun continues with a salt and mud bath, an environmental exposure area, crash test site, climatic test chambers, anechoic dyno chamber, high speed wind tunnel and finally, an emissions testing laboratory. And what proving ground would be complete without a high speed test road? Well, Ford has that covered too with a 4.8 kilometer high speed circuit. So next time you take your pride and joy for a ride, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that it’s been well and truly put through its paces before getting anywhere near a dealership showroom.
Special Colour Vehicles 07 November 2015 02:21 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareWhat’s your favourite colour? How many times have you been asked that question? Learning about colours would probably rank as one of the first things we learn as children. And we use colour so much, we don’t even know we are. Whether we know it or not, colour is an important part of our lives. Companies also know this and take advantage of the subconscious benefits it can provide. It wasn’t that long ago that a major confectionary company actually tried to copyright a shade of purple as its own. So we know companies place great emphasis on colour and its importance to corporate identity. Back in the 60s and 70s, big companies cared so much, they had the likes of Ford and Holden produce extremely limited numbers of vehicles painted in what could only be described as their ‘corporate colours’. Shell Oil, one of the biggest companies in the world, is easily identified by its yellow and red colour scheme. It had two XW GT-HO Phase2 Falcons painted in what is now known as ‘Shell Yellow’. Gallaher, a major U.K based multinational tobacco company wanted its then corporate logo colours, silver with red stripes, to adorn 8 Ford Falcon XR GTs in ‘Gallaher Silver’. Companies a little closer to home also started to get in on the act. Brambles, then only a transport and logistics company had its trucks painted in a unique shade of red. Que Ford with its four ‘Brambles Red’ XY GTs. And Waltons, a large department chain store founded in the 1950s, had a distinctive blue as part of its corporate identity. Here’s where Holden enters the fray with its ‘Waltons Blue’ Torana. And there’s many more examples of corporate colours infiltrating car manufacturer’s colour choices. From ‘Agfa Orange’, ‘Fanta Orange’ and ‘Ansett Blue’ to ‘Royal Automobile Association Yellow’ and ‘C.U.B Brown’. Chances are that if you were a company back in the 60s and 70s with a distinctive corporate colour, a Ford or Holden was driving around the country proudly displaying it for you.
Safety In TCM 31 October 2015 07:04 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareThe Touring Car Masters in recent years has become one of motorsports most loved categories. The series transports fans back to the heady days where names like Beechey, Moffat, Brock and Johnson were the gods of the racetracks. As much as the drivers were considered gods, the cars were almost on the same level. Moffat’s ‘Coke’ Mustang and Brock’s SLR 5000 Torana are now considered motorsport royalty and hold a very special place in the pantheon of great racing machines. But are today’s TCM cars just like the cars of the old days? The answer is not a simple yes or no. Really, the answer is “kind of”. Yes they look exactly the same, tough and brutish, with an engine note that makes motorsport fans run to the fence to see what’s making such a beautiful sound. However, one big difference between the old and new is the safety aspects of the cars... and thank goodness! Back in the heyday of the 60’s and 70’s, racing drivers took their lives into their hands every time they strapped themselves into their machines. While today’s racing is still dangerous, drivers stand a much better chance of emerging from an incident relatively unscathed. Some of the cars in TCM generate well over 600 horsepower and can easily get up to speeds in excess of 250kph, so although we might like these cars to be exactly as they were back in the day and stay true to history, keeping the driver safe is a priority. Today’s TCM cars feature cutting edge safety systems such as full roll cages as opposed to 4 point cages or indeed nothing at all and full side intrusion beams to keep the driver safe instead of just a door skin that came from the factory. Carbon fibre race seats are now used instead of the unsupported seat that came with the car from the showroom and of course 6 point race harnesses instead of a lap sash belt... and that’s just the cars! Drivers are now better protected by their racing attire too. Three layer flame resistant NOMEX race suits with fire proof gloves, boots, socks and underwear, carbon fibre helmets attached to head and neck restraint systems (HANS Device), are all a far cry from cotton race suits, no gloves, loafers and open face helmets which were the only available options at the time. So next time you’re at the track, make sure you go by the TCM pits and take a closer look at the cars of yesteryear with the technology of today and tip your hat to those brave souls of the past because back in its heyday, racing really was DANGEROUS!
NSW gets a Modified Classic Vehicle Scheme 27 October 2015 08:05 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareLife for modified classic car enthusiasts in New South Wales just got a little sweeter recently. Up until now, if you drove a 30 plus year old modified car that was on a club registration, you were only permitted to drive to club events or for maintenance purposes, end of story. Well, thanks to some progressive politicians, that’s no longer the case. Duncan Gay, the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight recently announced a two year trial beginning early next year that will allow a car lover’s pride and joy to be used for 60 days every year, as long as it satisfies some basic requirements. "The current Historic Conditional Registration scheme remains unchanged as an option for enthusiasts but, this Government recognised that owners of conditionally registered vehicles had limited use," said Mr Gay. "We've incorporated safe, sensible additions in consultation with the community and stakeholders so owners and the wider community can revel in these vehicles' unique beauty more often," he added. As long as the car satisfies the requirements for either full registration or the Modified Classic Vehicle Scheme and their club is participating in the trial, car enthusiasts with a modified classic that is at least 30 years old will be able indulge in their passion far more than ever before. And the scheme also caters for our two wheeled friends as well because motorcycles are also able to take part in the two year trial. So with the opportunity to get that classic or restored beauty out and about more than ever, there’s never been a better time to make sure they’ll be ready for all that extra cruising. And the best way to do that is head to Rare Spares for all your classic car’s needs. Find us at www.rarespares.net.au
Toranafest 2015 20 October 2015 09:46 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareToranafest, proudly sponsored by Rare Spares, was recently held at the Maitland Showground, north-west of Newcastle. Taking place over the weekend from the 19th and 20th of September and billed as “the largest Torana only car show in Australia”, it has become one of the highlights on the car show calendar. From its humble beginnings in 1994 when 183 Toranas attended at Bar Beach to its recent record breaking year in 2013, when that number had grown to a massive 354, Toranafest has gone from strength to strength. And with entrants coming for the event from as far afield as Queensland, Tasmania and even Western Australia, Toranafest enjoys a truly national following. After having a year off in 2014, Toranafest 2015 promised to be massive and in spite of less than ideal weather, still managed to attract over 330 cars worth a staggering $16milion. First generation HBs to final generation UCs were on display in every possible guise, from just left the factory originals to street machine show cars and everything in between. Saturday kicked off with the Toranafest Cruise to Morpeth, where 150 cars took part. "We had a great cruise. The regular Saturday shopping crowd was blown away by the sights, the smells and the sounds of all these beautiful cars," said organiser Peter Morris. Sunday was the Toranafest Show and Shine, which also involved bringing these glorious cars to life so spectators could not only see these classics but also hear and feel them. Everything from A9Xs, L34s and XU-1s showed the crowd what they are really made of! The Club has always donated the proceeds to a nominated local charity or community group. Over the years the groups who have benefited from Toranafest included Neonatal Intensive Care Ward at JHH, Delando Cresent Special School and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with this year’s proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, Riding for the Disabled and Dog Rescue Newcastle. With Toranafest turning to a bi-annual event, Torana lovers will have to wait until September 2017 for their next fix of Torana Nirvana. Let the countdown begin! And with Rare Spares being able to supply 1000s of parts for your Torana restoration, there’s no excuse for not seeing you and your Torana at Toranafest 2017. For all your Torana resoration needs, head to www.rarespares.net.au
Nominate a Mate's Worthy Winner! 14 October 2015 11:51 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareBack in July, Rare Spares hosted the Nominate a Mate promotion on Facebook. It was a competition where entrants could win a $1000 Rare Spares gift voucher for their mate’s restoration. As you would expect, we were inundated with entries, however there could only be one winner, and what a worthy winner he was. Daniel Earle nominated his father and best mate Wayne in his touching entry. Wayne, not only battling a serious illness but also all of the other difficulties associated with having to take time off work for an extended period, had to sell his beloved Toranas. As part of his rehabilitation, Wayne was able to buy “a rusty old HQ” so he could get out of the house and have something to work on. The $1000 Rare Spares gift voucher will hopefully come in very handy not only for Wayne’s HQ, but also for Daniel’s LJ GTR Torana. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, Wayne let everyone know just how much it meant to him. "Hi Guys, I have just received my package in the mail. I am unsure if you would like to put it on your page with my massive thanks to my son Daniel and you guys at Rare Spares. I am lost for words for what Dan has done and I am truly appreciative of this,” said Wayne. From the team at Rare Spares, we hope your prize helps in an even speedier recovery Wayne and assists in finishing off the HQ restoration so you can get out and enjoy it.
Roxburgh Park Sandown Round Sales Event 06 October 2015 01:00 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareSandown Raceway, 25 kilometres south east of Melbourne has played an important part in Australian motorsport since the 1960s. The biggest names in the business, from Fangio and Moss to Brabham and Brock have all raced there. Only five races are allowed every year due to its suburban location which makes every event extra special and they don’t get more special than the V8 Supercars Sandown 500. To coincide with the Sandown 500, Rare Spares puts on one of its biggest annual events, the Rare Spares Sandown Sale. Held at Rare Spares Roxburgh Park recently, it was always promising to be an extra special sales event. “The Rare Spares Roxburgh Park VIP night that was held on the 9th September was another very successful event and a great turn out,” said Silvio Nanfaro, the 2IC at Roxburgh Park. With the doors opening at 6 o’clock, customers were greeted with a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle out front. Once inside, customers were treated to a massive 20% off all Rare Spares products. Not content with spoiling our customers with bangers and bargains, next was the chance to mingle with current V8 Supercar Star Jason Bright, along with Leo Tobin, Brett Youlden and Gary O’Brian from the Touring Car Masters (TCM) series. And if that wasn’t enough, everyone had the chance to win some truly awesome prizes. The lucky winners were: Sandown double pass – F. Carbone Sandown double pass – M. Weaver BJR Hot Lap –R. Jones BJR Hot Lap – J. Giroud $100 Voucher – C. Zahra TCM Merchandise Pack – G. Vlahos Rare Spares Merchandise Pack – C. Zahra “Many thanks to all the car clubs and Rare Spares loyalty members who attended the event, as well as to the drivers who made this night a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!” said Silvio. For your chance to win some fantastic prizes like these, make some huge savings and mingle with the stars of motorsport, register with Rare Spares at www.rarespares.net.au