Here we see another model from Argentina this time with a MG front end and called Siam Magnette II 1622. But as you can see below the steering wheel has a Austin badge.







There we have the Siam Di Tella model before it had many hours of restoration spent on it.



This shows what can be achieved if you have the time and money. Powered by the 1500 cc engine and looks very smart with its two-tone body and white wall tyres.





Pictures supplied by the owner Juan Carlos Tuzzolino

The Pick-Up shown below is called a Siam Argenta and was built in Argentina in 1963. They were produced between 1963/7 the engine is the 'B' series 1498 cc. As you can see from the pictures it is based on the Farina styled family of cars that came out in 1959. But it has a Riley front-end with a Austin rear based on the Countryman body. If anybody has more information on the model, please contact me.






Pictures supplied by the owner Juan Carlos Tuzzolino

Does anybody know the Date of the coin in Herbert Austins Office panelling

Did you work on the Gas Turbine Engine which was engineered and built in East Research and also the Hydrostatic Transmission.
In the late 50s - early 60s a 1.3 litre and 2.0 litre 'V' four was been developed which had a very small included angle like a Lancia.

If you can help on any of the above, please contact me

This little English car was ordered new in 1949 and imported from England to Canada for Al Viner's wife. Viner, the owner of Superior Paint and Body Shop in Calgary, Alberta sold it to Bill Atkin for Atkin's wife Win in December 1951. Atkin worked for Viner in the body shop, and retired years later as the shop manager. Win Atkin nicknamed the little English car "Guppy" and became very attached to it. Over time Win Atkin moved up to driving a 1970's four door Chevrolet while Bill Atkin drove a 1970's four door Chrysler. As the Atkins only had a two car garage, "Guppy'' was stored next door in their neighbour's double garage. When their neighbour’s passed away and the widow decided to move into a townhouse, the Atkins decided to sell "Guppy" rather than have to find and pay for suitable storage. "Guppy" was sold to a Ron Smylie on September 21,1984, after almost 3l years of ownership by the Atkins. Smylie said it was his intention to restore "Guppy". This restoration apparently did not take place with Smylie selling "Guppy" nine years later to a lady known as Royanne.

Royanne had just left her lawyer's ofiice, having just received a final cash settlement from her ex-husband, with plans to open a restaurant when she spotted "Guppy" sitting on a service station lot with a for sale sign on her. Royanne bought "Guppy" from Smylie as a conversation piece to be parked in a prominent place in front of her soon to be restaurant. As Royanne did not know how to drive a standard shift car, Smylie drove "Guppy" to Royanne's residence and parked "Guppy'' in her garage. According to Royanne, "Guppy" stayed in the garage for a year until some friends who were over for a BBQ got "Guppy" started and drove her around the block a few times before parking her out in front of Royanne's residence. "Guppy" sat out in front for a year before Royanne decided to sell "Guppy". She took "Guppy" to Harold Heninger's Classic Car auction in February 1995. Royanne asked Harold Heninger to try to get $2,500.00 for "Guppy". The bid only reached $2,000.00. Royanne told Heninger she just wanted to sell "Guppy" and did not wish to take her home. Heninger bought "Guppy" for $2,250.00. Heninger then put "Guppy" into the Silver Auto Auction in September 1995, got a bid of $3,000.00 but felt he could get $4,000.00, so "Guppy'' was not sold then. Heninger then put "Guppy'' into Grant Hill's Okotoks Collector Car auction in May 1996 without a reserve, and she was purchased by myself Bruce Castle for $2,000.00 plus auction fees of $50.00.

From May 1996 until April 1998, "Guppy" underwent extensive mechanical restoration. Her brakes, suspension steering, transmission clutch, electrical system" carburetor, gas tank and interior were repaired, and replaced where necessary, before being deemed roadworthy once again. "Guppy's" engine compartment was cleaned and detailed, as was her interior and exterior.

"Guppy'' was then taken over to Win and Bill Atkin's where Win Atkin had a very
emotional reunion with her "Guppy". Win was very appreciative that "Guppy'' had a new home and was rejuvenated. "Guppy" was then taken over to Royanne's where Royanne was pleased that someone was taking good care of "Guppy''.

In October 1997, an Austin Haven was constructed for "Guppy" where she is sheltered from the elements all year round. "Guppy" was appraised on September 11, 2006 and valued at $7,500.00. She was rated as good overall, considering her age. "Guppy" will remain in the Castle family and be passed on from generation to generation.

Bruce R Castle