Chambers car stays in family
THE direct descendants of the original manufacturers of a famous Belfast-built car are keeping the wheels turning on a proud family tradition.
David and Ann Chambers from Downpatrick successfully purchased their very own piece of automotive history made by their predecessors, the highly acclaimed Chambers brothers.
The 1927 limousine – the last car to come off the production line – is one of only four such cars still existing and remarkably went through a full MOT last summer.
The Co Down family now hope the vehicle – an invention which caught the public's imagination in the early 20th century – will take pride of place at a motoring event in Dublin later this year.
Chambers, which closed at the end of the 1930s, made hand-crafted cars.
David Chambers' great-great grandfather was one of the original manufacturers.
While the car is believed to have been originally owned by a wealthy Belfast lady, the vehicle previously took up residence in the Irish National Museum in Kilkenny, before the venue was forced to close.
Amid fears the entire collection could go for auction in England, the family intervened.
David's wife, Ann, was the main driving force in bringing the car back to its native Ulster, achieving her aim in 2008.
She said: "We are so pleased the car is back with the family some 80 years after it left the factory. It is a fitting reminder of our family history for future generations."
The Chambers family are indebted to their neighbour, Dick Walker, a vintage car enthusiast who has played a pivotal role in recommissioning the previously inactive vehicle.
Setting about the mammoth task, the Co Down man managed to get the car roadworthy again.
"The engine was seized, all oil and grease had dried up, evaporated, turned to gum and whatever else oil does over a long period of disuse," Mr Walker explained.
"The engine was released after soaking for a month in a cocktail of oils. All the grease points were soaked and regreased. The four-wheel brakes were seized and had to be released," he told the News Letter.
"With careful attention to all aspects of the car, it was eventually started. After an initial cough and splutter and a large cloud of smoke, it settled down to run very smoothly," Mr Walker explained.
Such was Mr Walker's handiwork, he created a "little bit of history" by successfully putting a Chambers car through a rigorous modern-day MOT last July.
"It went through with flying colours," he said.
"This is the first one that has gone through the MOT test. We can find no record that such a car was tested before."
While the car has been out of action again in recent months due to overheating problems, the problem has since been remedied.
Describing driving the vehicle as "fascinating", Mr Walker said: "The lady who had the car built, a descendent of a Belfast mill owner I believe, wanted the equivalent of a Rolls Royce, but built locally.
"It would have originally been chauffeur-driven with the owners sitting comfortably in the back compartment.
"It travels on the road very much like a limousine – it is very smooth and gorgeous and would reach 60mph I dare say."
Mr Walker maintained it was now the intention of the Chambers family to utilise the 80-year-old "treasure".
"In June we are taking the car to Dublin for a trial run and I'm sure the family will use it for suitable outings," he added.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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