Sunbeam streaming on the British on the Green

With a weekend weather report at home filled with rain, what better way to spend it in the company of fellow Singerites in the warmth of Maryland and Virginia.

The show was Britain on the Green held at the Collingwood Library and Museum on the Potomac River. NASOC member Gene Abbondelo was attending with his ’49 1500 powered 4A and had invited Phillip Avis and myself to join him. While that alone was a good reason for the trip, Gene was also taking possession of a Sunbeam and would be trailering the car to another NASOC member Bil Haley for “temporary” storage. The chance to help out Gene and see the mystic Haley Acres was too good to turn down.

We arrived late Friday night and after a chance to chew the fat, we turned in for a 5:00 AM wake-up call which would came all too fast! Speaking of which, we were offered a police escort, however that was politely declined.

Once we arrived in Urbanna Virginia to collect the Sunbeam we met Bil who provided the trailer and was still sporting his winter beard. With the Sunbeam neatly packed up we were took the opportunity to talk shop with Ed, the Sunbeam’s seller. Ed is a very interesting fellow and welcomed us all to chat and tour his garage and home. He told us about a friend of his who just recently purchased a 4AD and was just a few houses down from where we were. Turns out that the 4AD owner was none other than fellow NASOC member Dave Laughton.

Dave was indeed a gracious host inviting us in to see the car and have a chat. We were apparently lucky to see him as apart from restoring cars he is quite the sailor! A few stories and photos later we were off to continue the adventure.

With Gene and Phillip in the Volvo chase vehicle, Bil and I manned Big Red (Bil’s pick-up tow vehicle). The drive went by all too quickly and there was no lack of references to Bil’s new facial hair during the trip.

Haley Acres is neatly tucked away amongst the trees in a very pretty part of Virginia. Before we got the official tour, I was taken aback by the first vehicle that I cut my teeth on. Do not get me wrong, a Singer heart beats in this chest, but the sight of a Massey Ferguson 30 Tractor brought back childhood memories from my years on the “farm”. That was only the start of the excitement as the garage entered our view. Certainly on its way to becoming Virginia’s Garage Mahal – Bil’s second home is spacious, nicely equipped and full of future projects. While we were eager to explore the garage and surrounding forest, we were driven to other, more Singer-like, interests. This was not because we were afraid of the bears that apparently passed by from time to time because we all know that when comes to bears it is not how fast you can run – only that you can run faster than the guy next to you! We were re-introduced to Scarlett, Bil’s ’35 Long tail. Bil was undertaking some work to the front of the engine so a chat with Phillip was a needed tonic.

With our work done and tummies grumbling, it was time for supper. Bil’s better half Toni joined us for supper and stories but it all ended too soon as we were due back at Gene’s.

Show days are always special. We gathered ourselves up and made our way to Gene’s 4A for the drive to the field. Something has to be said for a 1500 engine in a 4A since that car really moved! Part of the drive included a sprint on the highway and when we were not passing cars, they were slowing down to take a look at us. A carload of teenage girls on their way somewhere got out their camera-phones to take some shots so look out for Gene, Phillip and Paul on You-Tube! (Check out the good-looking guy in the back seat)

When we arrived at the field we were taken aback to hear that the show was full! Some quick thinking by our driver Gene solved that hiccup. He mentioned to the organizers that we had the NASOC NEWS staff on board all the way from Montreal and they were writing an expose on the show and… and… Well it worked and we were quickly on our way to the designated spot.

The nice thing about British on the Green is that the cars are parked in pockets around the museum’s grounds. The MGs were parked suitably away from the Singer so as not to suffer from lack of interest.

They did garner a choice location with a view of the Potomac River. Another pocket of cars featured a fair contingent of Bentleys and just to let you know how small our world really is one of the Bentley owners knew NASOC member Len Pearcey! Seems that Len had done some work on one of his cars and he was eager to share how pleased he was at the quality of Len’s work. Good show Len! Bil also showed up to lend his support, which with the amount of people gathered around the feisty 4A was definitely appreciated.

For those visiting the day of the show was also the day to go home. Getting together with Gene and Bil was great. To also have the chance to meet people like Ed and Dave, well that was the icing on the cake. Thanks to all and hope to see you again soon!