History
Believed to have been owned for many years by someone in Hamilton (??) area, who performed an early restoration. Later purchased by person in Geelong who owned it for one year before trading it in (in excellent nick) on a new Holden. Then floated around at least three car yards and one trade auction in following four years.
I found it in a sorry state in a Braeside car yard, one step up from a wreckers. (No RWC, no rego, no care!) Windows were left open in the rain, paintwork crazed and very ordinary (but largely recoverable), engine putrid, wires hanging down under dash, rubbers perished, water in the foot wells etc.. Paid over the odds and was diddled on a few things, but the vehicle was sound enough for my limited restoration skills.
On full rego so that we can use it when we like. Has been to many Melbourne metro rallies, ’Federation 40’ at Bendigo, ’Austins over Australia’ at Ballarat, Canberra and Forbes, and many outings (plus the odd obligatory wedding). :-)
A great car, though with heavy steering.
It’s been great to notice a number of well presented ’new’ 16’s appearing on the roads over the past few years.
Modifications
As mentioned above a lot of TLC and ’elbow grease’ has gone into slowly restoring her closer to her former glory. I’ve faced the usual tensions between originality and safety. Compromises have been radial tyres, extra indicators and brake lights inside the rear number plate housing, additional tail lights, original ’D" reverse light converted to additional brake light with external reverse light under bumper bar, generator converted to alternator (using original casing), front seat belts (brown) and driving lights. Driving in Melbourne at night requires one to be seen, as well as to see.
Zenith carby became irrepairable and replaced with a remanufactured Holden Stromberg on a Bedford base which is a very good look alike.
Like everyone else, there is always a lot which can be done - but like many, finance is always a problem!
Next project is to replace current brakes with softer linings which should greatly improve the rod operated brakes, and getting the built-in hydraulic jacks working. Would have preferred hydraullic brakes!!!
