Welcome to issue No. 128

Walk around this car and you have to admire the large imported tyres, spoked rims, rear slung fuel tank, heavy leaf springs - that despite my best efforts I could not get to give at all - to say nothing of the lovely coachwork and timber bar cabinets in the rear compartment. This was workmanship at its best and while I love today's supercars, there's something about an older classic that can't be described. The big six turned over with a puff of smoke and the turning circle and lack of power steering were par for the course. The beast powered off with dignity and poise and despite being 70 years old - or more - had more class than many of today's marques. If you own an old classic, love it to death as you have a priceless piece of heritage in you care.

This issue continues our look at Hudson/Nash - the former of the two a great independent American company that was formed back in 1909. Hudson built a number of classic cars, commencing with 20hp four-cylinder runabouts and graduating to the Hudson Super Six of 1922. By the late 1920s they were building coaches, ie. fully covered hardtops, and in 1926 the combined Hudson-Essex production of 301,000 vehicles placed the company third behind Ford and Chevrolet in overall sales. Exports played a big part in the company's success and were particularly popular in the UK. Hudson merged with Nash in 1954, virtually identical cars produced under both names for a brief period (dubbed the "Hash" models by critics) before Ramblers badged both with Hudson and Nash emblems and the Rambler name became pre-eminent.

A number of early & late Ramblers, Hudsons, Nash & Willys cars (yes, they made more than Jeeps!) made it to Australia, and we would love to hear from you if you own one of these vehicles.

This issue we again have vehicles on offer virtually spanning the last 100 years of motor production. I know we have told you before that Just Cars is Australia's biggest and best collectable market place, but recent figures from Roy Morgan show that we are also the most read of any magazine in this market. With more than 340,000 readers, if you have a vehicle to sell why would you even consider going somewhere else?! Again we thank you for making Just World Cars number 1.

Finally just a small plug for an Australian book which I think you would enjoy. Written by well known motoring enthusiast Kevin Norbury, "On the Road Again" is a book about Australians and their cars. He has tracked down everything from a 1968 Maserati Ghibli to a 1949 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Series 62, and even a 1960 Borgward Isabella Coupe. He tells the story not only of the car but of their owner, which makes a fascinating read. Around fifty cars are featured and any lover of cars, such as an early Rolls Royce Phantom will enjoy this book.

Speaking of the Roller - there is just one downside which I'm sure many can relate. As the beautiful beast purred off down the street, the pools of oil on the driveway are sure to remain as a reminder of its visit.

Have a great month!