As this was our final monthly meeting before the end of Daylight Saving, quite a few members arrived early, displaying their cars outside the clubrooms whilst enjoying pre-dinner drinks in the lingering sunshine which bathed the west-facing patio area. Quite pleasant really!
Inside the dining room, preparations were being made for a buffet meal catering for around 60 or so of our members and friends. The drip trays were in place for what we expected to be Bill Formby?s Rolls Royce, but following a last-minute cancellation, it was Locky Fowler?s recently acquired 1973 Datsun 240Z which took pride of place on the green carpet.
This month?s meeting also included our Annual General Meeting which was dispensed with astounding efficiently in just four minutes and four seconds thanks to some great teamwork between our secretary Glen Campbell and out-going president Ray Youlden. Ray is stepping down into the position of Vice Pres this year whilst Ron Brooks will take on the leadership role. Jaime Drysdale who is not continuing on Committee, was thanked for her involvement over the last 12 months and we welcomed Ed Denovan and Ian Maud onto the Committee which apart from these changes, remains much the same. After more than 20 years on Committee, which included a stint as President, several years as our Club Permit Officer and the force behind our Mid-Week Runs, John Fowler was presented with a well-deserved Life Membership of the Club. Congratulations John.With the AGM out of the way, Ray handed the reigns over to Ron who then thanked Ray for his two years at the helm before completing the meeting?s business and introducing Locky and his 240Z.? Locky explained that the purchase of this car was a rather drawn-out affair that began with a rumour about this well-known car possibly being on the market – but no details or contact numbers were forthcoming. Eventually the owner was tracked down and three months later a deal was negotiated resulting in Locky?s ownership of a second red 240Z. This car, however, is somewhat unique. Although registered on Club plates, the Z has sat virtually unused for almost two years. It was built primarily as a? club-racer and circuit car and has an impressive list of modifications and extras that include a bolt-in roll cage, digital dashboard, bigger brakes and wheels, coil-over suspension, a 260Z limited slip diff and topping it off, a fresh Les Collins 2.8 litre fuel injected engine running 13.5:1 compression on E85 fuel and producing close to 300bhp. Needless to say, the beast has impressive performance. Locky will be giving it a run at Philip Island this weekend before continuing on with the development work which will include removal of the sunroof and further mechanical massaging.
We thank Locky for making himself and the Z available at very short notice this month.