9 working J-type vans drove to the iconic Doyles on the beach on Saturday.

Two Winning Appliances vans, in their new livery, Pipe Perfection’s Number 1 van, Sydney Packaging’s Holden-engined van, the Panania Automotive van, the amazing V8 rat rod owned by the Bellettes, Peter Bateman’s J/B and the recently-completed magnificent Yellow Express van joined Doyles’ own van for a wonderful display and custodian catch-up.

We were joined by Andrew Lynch and his two J van grilles, all the way from Orange, Central NSW.

Our heart-felt gratitude is extended to all the Doyles  family and their wonderful staff for hosting an unforgettable day.

Yet another fantastic Revival has been and gone!

The Revival’s High Street was a little bit of ‘J-type Heaven’ with three vans on display, LVJ 61, JSK 870 and 5003 NX, and a fourth – OBL 432 – on the Friday morning only. Unfortunately this timing conflicted with NX being required to help at the Haymarket ‘picnic’ in the Pre-’65 car park, so we were unable to photograph Roly’s contribution. Perhaps someone reading this could send one in to us. Spotted ‘around and about’ were 344 CNM and 221 EMF, whilst we were told that Austin 101 MSK 194 was in the car park on the Friday, too.

Check out this gallery of photos for some of the highlights, more will be added when and if time permits! Click on any image to see the full picture!

The Classic Van and Pick-up Show at Gaydon saw four J-vans get together, along with a varied selection of other light commercials.

The weather was much better than last year, which may well have helped a few people with their decision as to whether they brought along a vehicle.

Interestingly, the Transit van was celebrating 50 years of production and many Transit owners made the effort to attend.

It is with great sadness that we report that Tony Cripps, the founder of the Morris~Commercial Club, and the LC register from which it grew, died on Friday 31st July.

The funeral will be on Wednesday 19^th Aug, 12.20pm, at South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex. TW13 5JH

No flowers, but donations can be made to a designated charity.

In keeping with his love of old vehicles, his wife Carole has arranged for a 1966 Austin Princess hearse.

I’m sure all J-Register members will join me in offering our condolences to Carole.

Visitors to the Sydney Boat Show this weekend will see a unique sight – a Morris J van utility. This van has been in Tasmania since new and recently arrived in Sydney for a refit. It runs an 1800 Morris B series and an auto box. Chassis number is to be confirmed. It is the promotional vehicle for Aquanami Jet Powered Kayaks and will be seen in the eastern suburbs of Sydney this summer.

A Morris J/B van has been put up for sale on ebay Australia. Click on photo to enlarge.

“Still has original baker boy graphics on sides and back, has 5 unused bread bags with a letter from the original delivery driver. Year is unknown but can be searched up chassis no. 41570. It is complete but not running, lots of spare parts including spare engine block, clutch, pistons, globes, camshaft, water pump, headlight bulbs, two stock rims, j type workshop manual, j type supplementary manual, j.2 manual and lots of bits and bobs. Even has original key still in the ignition. Shows signs of rust all over. Roof very sound, side and door sills would need to be repaired. Message me for viewing please no tire kickers or time wasters. Pick up only cod preferred, please don’t use PayPal due to high fees. Item location Pakenham”

Details can be found at: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171834679200

Another J new to the Register has also surfaced in Australia in the last week. Photo below, more to follow.

Street Machine, Australia’s premiere car magazine has a J type van feature in the July issue. Check your local Australian newsagent. It is on sale mid June 2015.

We were pleased to catch up with Barb and Kevin at Hilton Park services on the M6. They were on their way back home with Flossie, following some much needed bodywork restoration. It’ll be good to see it back on the road.

The Register has had a small batch of top hoses made for J/Bs and 101 vehicles. These are not suitable for s.v. J-types.

They’re £14.00 plus postage. They could of course be collected from HQ if nearby anytime, or from Gaydon if either of the commercial shows there are attended.

I do also have two correct kingpin sets, which are £45.00 plus postage.

JMU 922: Geoff Duke Ltd.

British motorcycle racing legend Geoff Duke – a six-time Isle of Man TT winner and world champion – has died at the age of 92.

Geoff was one of the first major stars of grand prix motorcycle racing in the 1950s.

He made his name at the famous Isle of Man event, earning a factory Norton ride after winning the 1949 Senior Clubmans TT and Senior Manx Grand Prix.

In his first year with Norton, he set a record pace on the way to TT victory and came within one point of the 500cc world championship, finishing second in the 350cc class too.

The following year he dominated both the 350cc and 500cc championships to claim his first world titles, adding further TT wins along the way, and he successfully defended his 350cc crown in 1952 despite his season being curtailed early by injuries.

Duke switched from Norton to Gilera for 1953, focused solely on 500cc racing and dominated. A further three world titles were notched up, along with another TT win in 1955.

Geoff also dabbled in sportscar racing with Aston Martin, a podium finish in a DB3 in Goodwood’s Easter Handicap in 1952 being the high point in results terms.

The 1955 crown proved to be Duke’s last world championship victory and he retired after 1959 with 22 500cc and 11 350cc wins to his name, plus six titles across the two classes.

Gray Southard and I met Geoff at the 100th Anniversary of Norton Rally at the National Motorcycle Museum in 1998. Ever the gentleman, Geoff was happy to pose in front of 5003 NX, having owned a J-type himself in the 1950s.