Miscellany, April 1977

Revised models

The interior of the TR7 is given the tartan look in a package of improvements which also include revised suspension settings, restyled wheel trims, map-reading lamp and boot illumination lamp. At the same time the Spitfire gets improved seats with new houndstooth check brushed nylon panels, TR7-type steering column and controls, smaller steering wheel, cigar lighter and extra courtesy light. As predicted in Motor Sport, Alfa Romeo have added a 2000 model to the Alfetta saloon range, due here in June.

New Aston Managing Director

Mr. Fred Hartley has resigned as Managing Director of Aston Martin Lagonda (1975) Ltd. and from the Board of Directors in order to concentrate on export sales for the company in a consultant capacity. He is succeeded as Managing Director by Mr. Alan Curtis, one of the company’s major shareholders.

Erratum

An element of brain-fade appears in the caption to the Mintex International Rally on page 418. Our caption writer meant to refer to Vatanen’s “second International win of the season” (he had previously won the Arctic Rally), instead of which he said “second RAC Championship win”. Apologies, Ari, but had the offender been given a proof to read, you might have had the spelling of your name corrected too.

Royal Support

It may not be generally realised that when the R-REC/NMM organised their Silver Jubilee display of Rolls-Royce cars and accessories at Beaulieu earlier this year, H M The Queen supported it by sending down for the opening-day her 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Canberra State Limousine, driven by Her Majesty’s personal chauffeur. Mr. H.A. Purvey, the first time the Royal Rolls-Royce has been lent for such a purpose.

Miniatures News

Watch for what Grand Prix Models of Radlett call their spring collection! It comprises many additions to their well-known metal kit series. There is a 1927 Rolls-Royce PI Park Ward tourer, a 1933 Mille Miglia K3 MG Magnette. Ronnie Symondson’s Type 57S Bugatti, the sports prototype Ford P68, which took two years to model, the Tour de Ladies “ready to wear” fashion house, and four Series-76 Porsches.Then there are kits for making a third GP Models’ racing Jaguar XJ12, an Autodelta Alfa Romeo Alfetta, and a Le Mans V6 Turbo Alpine. More about these kits when I have seen the finished models. W.B.