The Exterminator

First Early Holden into the 14's

THE success of the fabulous "Exterminator," owned and raced by Tony Prentice and Gra-ham Elliot, at the "Mr. Holden Eliminator" contest in Sydney in July, marks another "first" for South Australia in motor sport. More than 200 entries were pre-sent for this annual event, held at Sydney International Dragway (Castlreagh) and entries were divided into three classes.

1. JUNIOR DIVISION—For Hoi-dens from 1948 to 1963.
2. SENIOR DIVISION—For EH-HK Holdens and early models (48-EJ), with the 179-186 type engines.
3. OPEN DIVISION—For any type Holden with any type Holden six-cylinder engine and no limits on engine or body modifications . The only provision for all three classes was that all cars be suit-able for registration. The "Exterminator" was known to Sydney fans, as earlier in the year Prentice and Elliot ran a time of 15.20 at the strip, to win over all the other competitors.

The "Exterminator" at the grid at Brooksfield

They caused quite a stir, as Sydney racers said that an early model, running a maximum of 38 in. bore and twin carbs. couldn't run that fast. Consequently, the car was pulled down by officials, but was ruled legal for E/stock and eligible for the titles they had won.

Running against more than 40 competitors, the boys laid down a 15 second time trial that set the crowd on its feet. This time was faster than most competitors in "senior" division. Their closest time in "junior" was a 15.7 second run by a Sydney competitor.

When final eliminations came around the boys looked good and took the title out with' a 14.92 sec. run, making the first early Holden in Australia to break into the four-teens. For this they received a cash bonus of $50 in addition to other prizemoney.

For the title the car ran 4 and 1/4 in. bore, stock stroke, twin Stromberg carbs. and a wild "Maxwill" head and cam. [Many thanks go to John Lewis, of `Maxwill" dyno-tune, for all the assistance he has given the boys.]

Open division was taken out by Warren Armour's wild, top-chopped FJ with a 200 cube "186," which turned in a fantastic 13.67 to take the event.—PHIL HART.

A two Wheeled Holden?

Source:  Two Wheels - #4
Author:  Warwick Robbins

TAKE a 210 bhp, six-cylinder Holden engine, a supercharger, various lengths of steel tube, a conglomeration of cogs, chains and shafts, an assort-ment of mechanical bits and pieces, throw together methodically, add two wheels — and you've got a motorcycle? 

You also need another ingredient — the guts to ride it. One hopes Dennis O'Regan takes after his Irish ancestors in that respect, because he's certainly going to need a fair helping of intestinal fortitude when he climbs aboard. 

Over three recent months Dennis, who lives in the outer Sydney suburb of Kingswood, with the help of his brother and several mates, has been building up an outfit which is guaranteed to warm the blood of every drag fan in Australia. 

The main difference between this and other drag bikes so far seen on Australian strips is in the power unit — a 1955 Holden six. This has been mounted sideways in a special frame which had its origin a long way back on a Triumph outfit. The only part of the Triumph frame which is left is the rear section which mounts the wheel and will eventually carry the seat. However, even this is due for some extra modification. 

The front of the frame is all Dennis' own work. It is built of welded steel tube with heavy gauge plate for engine mounts and brackets. The top tube is 21 in. diameter, 11 gauge and the two front engine braces 2 in., 16 gauge. The rest is in 1 in. or 11 in., 11 gauge. The engine itself is built in to form part of the frame. The front forks are from a BSA 125, mounted on an Aerial stem. However, this will be replaced with a stem of Dennis' own making to bring the forks closer together to fit a 20 in. Bultaco front wheel running a 2.75 width tyre. The front wheel will also be fitted with a brake for starting only. The rear wheel is the original 20 in. Triumph, unsprung and will eventually be fitted with a 300 Avon drag slick. 

Altogether the frame is extremely simple yet designed for maximum strength. In standard form the engine puts out about 65 bhp but when the bike first appears it will probably be producing in the vicinity of .140 bhp. However, the supercharger should easily boost this over the 200 mark with other modifications and careful tuning. At one stage Dennis thought of including a gear-box, possibly an early Morris unit, in place of the transfer shaft, but this posed too many problems and will not be required anyway, as he has dropped plans for using the machine for roadwork. 

The fuel tank will either be mounted underneath the top frame member in front of the motor or along the top member in the form of another tube. It will have a capacity of about half a gallon. Another engine modification will be the addition of a fabricated sump, angled to the centre for a centre oil pickup and to give better ground clearance at the sides. 

The electrics will be as for the normal Holden, but both the generator and starter motor will be scrapped. It will also run without a radiator. With an estimated final weight of about 6501b, a possible standing quarter speed of 140 mph at 7500 rpm and time around 10 seconds this is going to be a pretty mobile rig. 

However, Dennis says he won't need a parachute, just a standard back brake — and a good prayer. So far this project has cost him only $50. Final cost will probably be about $400. If you're a drag fan, keep your eyes open for an extra wide, two-wheel monster in brilliant orange. 

Top view probably gives the best idea of how the
mating of the bike and Holden engine takes place.

Norman Super Charger for sale

It's not often you see such an exquisite piece of Australian automotive history for sale, but thats what we are seeing right now on eBay.

A genuine Type 65 Norman super charger is for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $5500.  It's missing a few bits buts it's a fine piece of speed equipment.

I have seen some pictures ( I will try dig them up ) of a perfect condition and complete Type 65 that sold 5 years ago for $8500.  It was by an unknown buyer and many people thought it was a fake bit, but it wasn't it was real and the cash changed hands.

This goes to show the price is what someone is willing to pay at the time.

I have personally seen very few Norman super chargers change hands ( only 2 Type 65s ) and they are never cheap.

They are period correct for the Holden grey motor.

Ebay Link:  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Norman-Supercharger-Holden-Grey-/201597849134