Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: SIR Philbutt on 21 March 2014, 00:10:06

Title: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: SIR Philbutt on 21 March 2014, 00:10:06
Some of you will know that my father and his business partner started Rochdale Motor Panels in the late 40's and went on to develop the Rochdale marque of car culminating in the Rochdale Olympic.

Over the last couple of years I have been included in the writing of a book on the marque by one of the owners club members and it is soon to be printed, which as you can see I am proud to share with you all

This is the authors website announcing the book for anyone interested

http://sportscarpioneers.yolasite.com/ (http://sportscarpioneers.yolasite.com/)

Phil
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 21 March 2014, 12:30:36
Nice! Something to be proud of Phil!!  :y
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 21 March 2014, 14:18:32
Some of you will know that my father and his business partner started Rochdale Motor Panels in the late 40's and went on to develop the Rochdale marque of car culminating in the Rochdale Olympic.

Over the last couple of years I have been included in the writing of a book on the marque by one of the owners club members and it is soon to be printed, which as you can see I am proud to share with you all

This is the authors website announcing the book for anyone interested

http://sportscarpioneers.yolasite.com/ (http://sportscarpioneers.yolasite.com/)

Phil

Twenty years ago, a fella in Earlswood used to have one of these on drive.

I think he told me that the name 'Olympic' was based on the Olympic games held in Rome in 1960.

It'a all a long time ago now so I could be wrong. :-\

Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: dbug on 21 March 2014, 22:23:37
Rochdale - wasn't that based on Ford mechs back in the 60s?  Ford Pops?
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: SIR Philbutt on 22 March 2014, 10:52:48

Twenty years ago, a fella in Earlswood used to have one of these on drive.

I think he told me that the name 'Olympic' was based on the Olympic games held in Rome in 1960.

It'a all a long time ago now so I could be wrong. :-\

Correct, called the Olympic as they where on that year and getting in on the hype  ::)

Rochdale - wasn't that based on Ford mechs back in the 60s?  Ford Pops?

Early Rochdale's based on the Austin Seven chassis, then the Ford Pop as you said, The Olympic was a single monocoque GRP body with normally Morris Minor running gear and BMC, Riley, Ford and Coventry Climax engines, There is even one withe a V6 in (Ford I think)

More info here if your interested http://www.rochdale-owners-club.co.uk/ (http://www.rochdale-owners-club.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: SIR Philbutt on 22 March 2014, 10:53:15
Nice! Something to be proud of Phil!!  :y

Thanks Tigg  :-*
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: Bigron on 22 March 2014, 11:53:56
Utterly gorgeos motors - they really look the part!
The book is on my wish list, Sir.
I am reminded of another independent sports car company who operated from Witham when I first moved here....do you remember Ginetta?

Ron.
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: Bigron on 22 March 2014, 11:55:34
I do know how to spell "gorgeous", it's my keyboard that doesn't!

Ron.
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: minifreek on 22 March 2014, 12:41:11
Utterly gorgeos motors - they really look the part!
The book is on my wish list, Sir.
I am reminded of another independent sports car company who operated from Witham when I first moved here....do you remember Ginetta?

Ron.

Ginetta are still going strong and have their own race series, usually following the BTCC circus around the country....

http://www.ginetta.com/
Title: Re: Sports Car Pioneers
Post by: SIR Philbutt on 22 March 2014, 19:59:59
Bigron if you email Les through the first link he will reserve you a copy

I sometimes watch the Ginetta racing on Motors TV. Friend of mine had one in the late 80's