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  • MalcolmJohns | hrfoundation

    Vale Malcolm Nelson Johns 20 July 1940 – 8 June 2021 Malcolm Johns had owned Rolls-Royces and Bentleys since he was 16 and still too young to drive, at least legally. According to Peter Davis, writing in Praeclarum in 1976, when his parents had gone out Malcolm would drive that first car, a Silver Ghost, around the block. He subsequently owned a number of Rolls-Royces before joining the NSW branch of the RROCA in 1965. He served in several capacities at state and federal level before becoming Federal President in 1976. Later he served as the Club’s Honorary Legal Advisor, providing guidance towards the Club’s deed, among other things. In 1982 he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Club. As if to prove there are no tall poppies in the Club, at that year’s Federal Rally his beloved Isobel — New Phantom 96AL — was too tall to fit into the hotel’s car park and was relegated to a no parking zone adjacent to fire connections outside. Despite this indignity, 96AL won that year’s overall award in the concours d’elegance. Malcolm was also instrumental in establishing the Australian branch of the 20-Ghost Club in 1992, and played a central role in it ever after. He was also heavily involved in the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. Over the decades, Malcolm owned many Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, including a number of Silver Ghosts. He participated in national and international tours, from the Australian Outback to the European Alps. His contributions to the Club were invaluable, and were given generously and willingly.

  • Shop | hrfoundation

    Shop Please note: Our Foundation is run in its entirety by our wonderful volunteers. We will endeavour to fulfil your order as soon as practical and thank you for your understanding and patience. Overseas orders (outside of Australia) please email chair@henryroycefoundation.com for addition costs to cover tracking, postage & packaging. DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM HERE Rolls-Royce & Bentley in The Sunburnt Country - The first 50 years in Australia $170.00 - Price includes GST and postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By Tom Clarke and David Neely The re-print of this book complete with Supplements from 1999-July 2021 is now available. It is A4 in size, soft cover, 588 pages and weighs 2.1 kgs. 500 copies of the first edition of this excellent book have been sold. It has received enthusiastic reviews around the world. This book is a MUST for all enthusiasts in Australia and indeed for all Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners worldwide. The authors are thankful to readers who have sent in various corrections, photographs and improvements. Please note: t he "first fifty years" covers 1906-1956. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Origins and Development 1906-1926 $155.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By David Forward A major work on the Silver Ghost and the years that made the Rolls-Royce Company's fame and fortune. Essential knowledge for all persons interested in the 40/50hp Silver Ghost and its development. David Forward has used his extensive knowledge of the Silver Ghost to write and publish this comprehensive book containing the greatest amount of technical information available on the subject, and extremely interesting to read. It has received worldwide acclaim and is in the library of most Silver Ghost owners as well as the RAC library in London. Attractively presented with 200+ pictures and diagrams, handsomely bound in matching slipcase. Evelyn Maud Mill; From servant to socialite $55.00 Price includes GST and Postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By Paul Tritton Lover, mistress, wife and widow of Claude Goodman Johnson,' the hyphen in Rolls-Royce'. Tom Clarke says "HAVING PAUL TRITTON’S name on anything associated with the history of Rolls-Royce is a guarantee of wonderful reading. Paul’s track record is an enviable one. Most aspects of Rolls-Royce history have received coverage down the years but not the women behind the company’s key figures. It’s quite a story and evokes both the belle epoque of the Edwardian decade and the freer 1920s. The human side of the Rolls-Royce story is well told here". Click HERE for a further review by past SHRF Trustee, Jeanne Eve. Rolls-Royce and Bentley In The Rear-View Mirror $45.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David Neely A history of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia. Featured are over 700 photographs and illustrations covering many aspects of the Club. Lists and tables spanning 1956 to 2002 include 4000+ members and more than 2000 Rolls-Royce and 800 Bentley motor cars. Additional reference sources are contained in chassis number and registration number lists. 50 Years with a Rolls-Royce Twenty $12.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David G. Davis This is a fascinating insight into the philosophy and approach developed after 50 years of owning and maintaining a 1922 Rolls-Royce Twenty. The 40-page A5 size booklet in colour includes a detailed list of chassis changes compiled by Bob Clarke, the Australian Club's Twenty Registrar. The author, who was a Foundation Trustee, met the cost of production personally, and proceeds will go to the Foundation. Concerning the 20hp Rolls-Royce 1922-2022 $55.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David Davis & Ian Berg The 20hp Rolls-Royce, which became known as the ‘Twenty’, was announced in October of 1922. The Twenty was the car that Rolls-Royce would have preferred not to build. Henry Royce clearly indicated that he wouldn’t have considered it but for the fact that the market for the larger Silver Ghost had dried up, and sales staff did not push the new model. Yet the Twenty became a great success, nowhere more so than in Australia. Published by the 20-Ghost Club, Australia Concerning the 20hp Rolls-Royce: 1922-2022 celebrates the centenary of the Twenty and also includes comprehensive details of all known Twentys in Australia. . An Australian Rolls-Royce $7.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By Bryan Inder The story of a Rolls-Royce 40/50H.P. model Silver Ghost Chassis number 12HG delivered new in Australia in 1923. John Bull Sketchbook $17.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By Bryan Inder The story of a Rolls-Royce 40/50H.P. model Silver Ghost Chassis number 12HG delivered new in Australia in 1923. GA Drawings $50.00 The files are emailed as a ZIP file over WeTransfer. A set of General Assembly (GA) Drawings. The set has been rescued and many of the drawings are available for pre-war cars to assist with restoration and maintenance. Please note that some drawings are damaged beyond repair, but many have been digitised in PDF format ready to be used. The purchase includes the collection and a spreadsheet of explanation. Ladies Silk Scarf $17.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. Beautiful 100% silk ladies scarf. 90cm square. Colour is as shown. Cream with navy print. Limited stock.

  • Trustees | hrfoundation

    SHRF Trustees Brian Crump FRSA (Chairman) Brian Crump is a member of the RROCA and of the RREC and RROC as well as the Royal Automobile Club of Australia. He is a past President of the RROCA NSW Branch Inc., and is passionate about all types of mechanical devices that demonstrate excellence. Brian’s favourite possession is his 1933 Phantom II Continental sports saloon with body by J Gurney Nutting. He is fascinated by the history of motoring in Australia and enjoys nothing more than engaging in a long run in the Australian bush. Brian is engaged in International Education at the tertiary level and holds post-graduate degrees in philosophy. Chairman : chair@henryroycefoundation.com ​ ​ Russell Rolls Russell Rolls is a professional mechanical engineer with a life-time interest in engineering heritage. He has been a member of the RROCA, the RREC and the RROC Inc for over 50 years. He is a regular participant in classic and historic car events both in Australia and internationally. He is a former Federal President of the RROCA, a former President of the Victoria Branch of the RROCA and is an Honorary Life Member of the RROCA. Russell held the position of Chair of SHRF for eleven years, 2011 to 2022. ​ Clare Gordon Clare Gordon is a member of RROCA and RREC. Actively associated with supporting the servicing, maintenance and sales of Rolls-Royce motor cars, her firm is the only Australian member of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists Association (RRBSA). Clare is passionate about the engineering and design excellence which is the undeniable thread that runs through all aspects of Sir Henry Royce’s pursuits. Her exposure to the Trades has resulted in a strong, practical commitment to supporting the recognition and transfer of knowledge and skills which capture the craftsmanship and culture that is Sir Henry Royce. ​ ​ Eric Henderson Eric Henderson is a past Federal President and past President of the Victoria branch of the RROCA. Eric is a member of the RREC and RROC. Eric works with VicRoads as the Director of Heavy Vehicle Services. Eric is interested in preserving and passing on the heritage of the founders, the companies and their products for the next generation. ​ ​ Frank Carroll Frank Carroll is a retired Solicitor in Queensland, with decades of work in charities and community organisations enriching our society. Now the custodian of several Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, he is a member of the RREC(UK) and serves in the Queensland Branch of RROCA, where he is Chief Judge. Inspired by the engineering genius of Charles Rolls, W.O. Bentley and especially Sir Henry Royce, Frank is keen to see this Foundation fulfill its objectives, with an active presence in Queensland at the "Coolum Showroom" since October 2018. Wallace Moorhouse Wallace Moorhouse is a Foundation Member of the Queensland Branch (1969). Served on Branch Committee including periods as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar. Assisted in organising several Annual Federal Rallies in Queensland and participated in most “Overlander” runs since 1997. Served as Federal Delegate on numerous occasions. Served as Federal Secretary from 2009 to 2014. Honorary Life Member 2007. Established the Current Federal Member and Car Database in 2010 and been Federal Database Administrator since and assisted in preparation of Chassis Plate. Ian Oliver Ian is a long-time member of RROCA ACT and brings an accounting and commercial background to the SHRF. Ian is currently the treasurer of RROCA Ltd. Ian’s has a serious interest in motoring and includes many different unique makes and models in his collection. His first Bentley was a 1951 Bentley Mk VI bought over twenty years ago and from that time onwards his passion for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars grew to be a passion. Ian became a Trustee of the SHRF in 2024 and has also established the SHRF Canberra Showroom in Fyshwick ACT along with a display of his other makes in Ollies’ Garage. Ian and Tina Oliver are truly committed to the engineering excellence of Sir Henry and Ian has a particular interest in the past history and provenance of Rolls-Royce motor cars. In 2018 Ian shipped his Bentley Mark VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe to the UK for the RREC Rally and won much acclaim for its outstanding presentation. ​ In Memoriam June 2021: Malcolm Johns was an initial Founding Trustee. Malcolm died in Sydney on 8/6/21. His legal knowledge and advice was instrumental for the Foundation's structure in 1996 and he remained a Trustee for eighteen years - read more.... ​ Please CLICK HERE to read our list of past Trustees. ​ ​ ​

  • Walter Owen Bentley | hrfoundation

    Walter Owen Bentley Born: 16 September 1888, Hampstead, England Died: 13 August 1971 (aged 82), Woking, England Nationality: English Occupation: Engineer In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley, the small sports/racing car maker and potential rival, after the latter's finances failed to weather the onset of the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce stopped production of the new big Bentley 8 Litre, which was threatening sales of their current Phantom, disposed of remaining Bentley assets and made use of just the Bentley name and its repute. After some years of development Rolls-Royce produced a new quite different ultra-civilised medium-size range of Bentleys advertising them as "the silent sports car". They were very much in the Rolls-Royce mould. From soon after World War II until 2002 standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars were often very nearly identical apart from the radiator grille and minor details. Interesting snippets .... The famous “Winged B” hood ornament was designed with forgers in mind. As a counter to the red-hot faux hood ornament market, there’s actually a different number of feathers on each side, in the hopes that forgers wouldn’t notice. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded as Bentley Motors Limited by W. O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London—and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003. Woolf Barnato was a wealthy playboy who raced cars for fun. He ran at Le Man three times, winning all three, then took over as CEO from W.O. Bentley after Rolls-Royce took over the company. Rolls-Royce took over the assets of Bentley Motors (1919) Ltd and formed a subsidiary, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had acquired the Bentley showrooms in Cork Street, the service station at Kingsbury, the complex at Cricklewood and the services of Bentley himself. Bentley had neglected to register their trademark so Rolls-Royce immediately did so. They also sold the Cricklewood factory in 1932. Production stopped for two years, before resuming at the Rolls-Royce works in Derby. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression throttled the demand for Bentley's expensive motor cars. On 10 July 1931 a receiver was appointed. The British Central Equitable Trust made a winning sealed bid of £125,000. British Central Equitable Trust later proved to be a front for Rolls-Royce Limited. In 1934 Barnato was appointed to the board of the new Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Until some time after World War II, most high-end motorcar manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce did not supply complete cars. They sold rolling chassis, near-complete from the instrument panel forward. Each chassis was delivered to the coach builder of the buyer's choice. The biggest specialist car dealerships had coachbuilders build standard designs for them which were held in stock awaiting potential buyers. All Bentleys produced from 1931 to 2004 used inherited or shared Rolls-Royce chassis, and adapted Rolls-Royce engines, and are described by critics as badge-engineered Rolls-Royces. W. O. Bentley was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1995. " . . . In the eyes of those who own, have owned, or aspire to own, one of the 3,040 Bentley cars designed and built by the 'old' Bentley company under the leadership of "W. O." he was admired and respected—indeed, I think, loved is not too strong a word—for to know his cars was to know him. During his working life "W. O." suffered a series of ups and downs which might have broken a lesser man. It certainly marked him and it was a disillusioned "W. O." I first met 25 years ago [1946]. . . . "W. O." has said that the pleasure he derived in the post-war years from Club activities; from making new friends among its members; and from seeing the loving care bestowed upon 'his' cars has more than compensated for all his earlier disappointments." "The six years during which I worked for "W. O." were a period of education and pleasure. His modesty, lack of pretension, mental honesty and reasonableness endeared him to those in contact with him, and his over-riding interest in the improvement of the car provided the education in a period which included the post-war ​2 1⁄2-litre Lagonda development, schemes for 4 and 8 cylinder derivatives, for the pursuit of shorter strokes in engines, for a small transverse-engined front wheel drive car and for a performance engine for the Morris Minor in place of the 850cc side valve engine it then endured. Though normally of reflective habit his experience showed him when swift action was necessary, and he could be very determined in pursuing it. Big enough to admit mistakes when they had occurred, he also knew when to modify and when to start afresh in remedying them. It is a pity that circumstances prevented his influence on car development from being greater than it was. Though motoring and motor cars were his life he retained a keen interest in locomotives." Mr Donald Bastow.

  • York Motors Registration | hrfoundation

    York Motors Service Histories The Foundation holds approximately 279 file folders of various types from the former York Motors Rolls-Royce division in Australia. These detail the service histories of a similar number of Australian-delivered or -maintained cars spanning an approximate period from 1967 to 1992. The cars include Corniche, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, Silver Spur, Camargue and others of the period. To enquire about a specific vehicle record, email: chair@henryroycefoundation.com.au

  • Photo Gallery | hrfoundation

    Photo Gallery These photos are a just a tiny selection from our extensive archives. ​ ** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 5VF155 Taken during the visit of the King of Nepal in 1971 is 5VF155 with registration ZSF-570. Note the Crown above the number plate is covered. Photo courtesy of National Archives of Australia Sir Henry Royce Memorial Window Located in Westminster Abbey is a memorial window for Sir Frederick Henry Royce, engineer and car designer. Designed by Sir J. Ninian Comper It was unveiled by Lord Kindersley, chairman of Rolls-Rolls Ltd., on 23rd October 1962. The inscription at the base reads: In memory of Frederick Henry Royce O.B.E. Baronet, Engineer. Born 1863. Died 1933. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 1/13

  • Volunteers | hrfoundation

    Foundation Volunteers Interested in volunteering at one of our 2 locations - Rowville VIC - or - Coolum QLD - or Fyshwick ACT Please email us: chair@henryroycefoundation.com SHRF Volunteers. These are our very important people. Bills Allsep House – Archives Geoff Down – Archivist David MacArthur John Reis Howard Wraight Terry Harris Lionel Gell School of Instruction Peter Jordan-Hill ​ History Consultant David Neely ​ Canberra Showroom RROCA ACT members and friends of Tina and Ian Oliver Coolum Showroom Keith Wilson Col Smith Iain Davidson Chris Cantor ​ Website Manager Shay Gillings Left to right - Bryan Harper, David MacArthur, John Reis and David Kenway Gilbert Ralph, MBE OAM is the Foundation's Honorary Archivist Bryan Harper Left to right - Bryan Harper, David MacArthur, John Reis and David Kenway 1/4

  • Awards | hrfoundation

    Foundation Awards Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Award for Australian Apprentice of the Year The SHRFA wishes to promote excellence in the engineering tradition of Sir Henry Royce by recognizing and annually awarding a current apprentice who demonstrates an outstanding skill-set and attitude and who is currently employed in Australia in the servicing of Rolls-Royce and Bentley products including diesel, aero or commercial engines as well as coachbuilding. The winner will be announced at the annual Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club, Australia in NSW in May 2025. The award is $1000 plus name added to the perpetual trophy. Applications close on February 28, 2025. Click here for current and past winners . Click here for details and information. Click here for the 2025 application form. ​ FJ Engish Award for RROCA Club Members' Photographs of Club Events The name of the Award recognises the photographic contribution to The Foundation of the F. J Engish Photographic Archive, containing some 20,000 photographs of cars and people, particularly of RROCA and Branch events. This Archive was gifted to The Foundation by 50-year RROCA Member Fred Engish who has taken these photographs over his time with the Club. A prize is awarded to the Club Member whose photograph, taken at a Club event during the calendar year, is judged by the Trustees as being of artistic merit and is representative of the ethos of the Club in relation to both Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars and fellowship amongst Members.” The current process is for the Praeclarvm Editor to “advertise” the Award in the last two issues for the year with a closing date of end-February to allow adjudication of the Award prior to presentation at the annual Federal RROC-A Rally. Entries for 2024 close March 1, 2025. Click here for current and past winners . Click here to download the entry form. Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Award for Excellence in Automotive Engineering Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Awards for Excellence for Apprentices in Automotive studies. There are two awards for apprentices in Automotive studies at Kangan Institute. 1) The SHRF award is presented to an automotive apprentice who has made a significant contribution to the pursuit of excellence in their studies at the Victorian Kangan Institute. The award was first presented in 2007 and consists of a trophy and a cheque for $1,000. 2) The Lionel Gell School of Instruction Award to the apprentice of the year in Automotive studies which carries a cheque for $5,000. A perpetual trophy which records the award winners is housed in the Foundation's Archive. Click here for current and past winners . ​ Foundation Trophy This trophy is awarded solely at the discretion of the Trustees. This trophy is awarded to a person who, in the opinion of the Trustees, has made a significant and long-term contribution to the ideals of Sir Henry Royce – the pursuit of excellence. Click here for current and past winners . The Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Art Award The Foundation’s Art Award, held under the auspices of the Sherbrook Art Society, Sherbrook, Melbourne. Paintings entered into this competition must have a Rolls-Royce or Bentley as the main theme. The standard of paintings is extremely high. The three prize-winning paintings are acquired by The Foundation under the terms of the competition and are and are hung in Bill Allsep House. Cash prizes for first, second and third. Click here for current and past winners . ​ The Si r Henry Royce Foundation - Research Award In 2017, the Trustees of the Foundation initiated ‘The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Research Award. This award, with a prize of $500, which will be awarded annually to the person who in the opinion of Trustees, has made best use of Foundation ‘Archive’ to research a topic of Rolls-Royce and Bentley interest and who has published this research in Praeclarum or in a wider distribution, publicly available media. This Award is open to all, not just members of the RROC-A. Entries must be submitted to the Hon. Archivist by end-January so that the Trustees and Archivist can decide on a winner for announcement at the annual Federal Rally of the RROCA. Click here for the Nomination Form . Click here for current and past winners. ©All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording without express written consent from the copyright owner. Individual works of art are copyright of respective copyright owner. ​ ​

  • Peking to Paris | hrfoundation

    Peking to Paris Of special note: The SHRF Phantom V 5VF159 completed the 1997 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. It took 45 days. Went for 16,000 kilometres across snow capped Himalayas at 5,000 metres and three deserts under scorching sun. Owner/Drivers on the rally: John Matheson & Jeanne Eve. Below is a wonderful photo book of their trip. Enjoy.

  • Online Library | hrfoundation

    Online Library A new section of our website that we will be adding to regularly. "Royal Connections " - Sept/Oct 2019 Issue of Rolls-Royce & Bentley Drivers Magazine A David Neely SHRF historical consultant column. Mrs Penfold Hyland and the Colour Grey - Praeclarum October 5-18 p7472 A David Neely SHRF historical consultant column . "The Most Magnificently Startling Rolls-Royce"- Praeclarum December 1-18 p7325 A David Neely SHRF historical consultant column . Gas to Go - Petrol Rationing during WWII - Praeclarum December 6-17 p7288 A David Neely SHRF historical consultant column . A Brace of Phantom Vs - Praeclarum October 5-17 p7245 A David Neely SHRF historical consultant column . Rolls-Royce Dart Turbine Propellers - by Rolls-Royce Limited 1956 Posted with kind permission of the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation. Originals are in the Archives of the AMHF. Rolls-Royce Avon Turbo-Jets 8th Edition - by Rolls-Royce Limited 1956 Posted with kind permission of the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation. Originals are in the Archives of the AMHF. Power for the World's Airlines - by Major Oliver Stewart MC AFC Posted with kind permission of the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation. Originals are in the Archives of the AMHF. A History of the Commonwealth Car Service Chapter 6 Henry Royce - A mechanical genius at Rayol-Canadel Translated and reprinted with permission. Rolls-Royce & Vickers Merger - and new company structure. Aug 1980

  • Lionell Gell School of Instruction | hrfoundation

    Lionel Gell School of Instruction Click here for Press Release for the opening of the Lionel Gell School of Instruction for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners Below are a collection of photos - and below that is a wonderful video on the school. Lionel Gell School RROCA Members can take full advantage of this equipped facility. Lionel Gell School RROCA Members can take full advantage of this equipped facility. Lionel Gel School of Instruction Lionel Gell School RROCA Members can take full advantage of this equipped facility. 1/9

  • Sir Henry Royce Foundation

    The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering. Enter Site

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