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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
 Posted - 14/03/2025 : 14:51:55
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The attached photos depict what is believed to be an MG NA (or possibly T Type) Airline Coupe . Credit to David Lawley who first shared this photo. The registration appears to be NJ 8074.
The presence of the MG TD (4th in line) suggests this event took place in the 1950s. The information on the back of the photo makes reference to the possible location Cambridge and “The CLXIII Club”.
MG Airline enthusiasts do not believe this is a survivor and are unable to identify which car this is. Consequently we would be interested in any information regarding this Airline that readers might be able to share including, but not limited to, its history, owner’s names, The CLXIII Club, and any clues to its current whereabouts or information regarding its probable demise.
Thank You & Best Regards,
Dick
Franklin (Dick) Sprafke
PA 1623
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 14/03/2025 : 14:53:29
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a closer look at NA Airline NJ 8074
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 14/03/2025 : 14:54:40
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The back of the photo
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2672 Posts |
Posted - 14/03/2025 : 21:01:59
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Definitely NA from the length of the bonnet and the low position of the headlights. Brake drums clearly 12 inch, so too big for a T. More I cannot say.
Dave |
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Orstin
United Kingdom
673 Posts |
Posted - 15/03/2025 : 08:31:07
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As a Cambridge resident, the street scene doesn't ring any bells, but I will ask around and see if I can find anything out... Would it be ok if I posted the photo elsewhere?
Hugh
So many dynamos |
Edited by - Orstin on 15/03/2025 08:36:55 |
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George Eagle
United Kingdom
3299 Posts |
Posted - 15/03/2025 : 09:44:38
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Third car in line is I think a Dellow trials car, usually Ford engined, so maybe the photo could be late 50s?
George |
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 15/03/2025 : 12:44:30
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Many Thanks to those who have responded so far. Yes! Please feel free to share the photo and post it elsewhere.
Thank You & Best Regards.
Dick
Franklin (Dick) Sprafke
PA 1623 |
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Orstin
United Kingdom
673 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2025 : 13:06:50
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Hi Dick..
Bit of an update. As I hinted at to start with, I wasn't sure it was a Cambridge street scene and after some asking about on a relevant group on Facebook, I am now fairly convinced that that is the case. There are other places with Cambridge in their name - Cambridge Heath in North London for starters.. My next step is to consult some photo albums that were kept in the 50s and 60s of 'vintage' motoring in Cambridge to see if I can spot any of the individual cars. That is taking a little arranging, so don't quite hold your breath...
If the signage to the left of the photo is any clearer on the original, there might be some avenues of investigation there?
So many dynamos |
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2025 : 13:23:42
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Dear Hugh,
Thank you for continuing to investigate the origin of this photo. As you mentioned, it would be helpful if the picture was more clear and had some iconic signage. Any suggestions you have regarding how to proceed are most welcome.
Best Regards,
Dick |
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Orstin
United Kingdom
673 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2025 : 13:50:43
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Well, Dick, this is hard to believe but, in the time between me posting I didn't think it was Cambridge and you replying, someone has finally identified it as Hills Rd, Cambridge. Astonishing. People had suggested all sorts of streets and I had discounted them all when finally, we got a winner this morning!! Photo attached for your interest... If you 'look past' the absence of the trees, you can see the architectural details of the buildings match up perfectly....
So many dynamos |
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george
United Kingdom
888 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2025 : 15:37:39
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| My N902 was first regd NJ7843 in Jan 1936 [west Sussex prefix] So NJ8000 ish makes it a late car if it as appears an N. Geoff |
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2025 : 20:23:25
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Hugh, it is astonishing to see that you have found the exact location where the original picture was taken. Thank You!. Now how do we tap into your resources about Cambridge lore to come up with some ideas re: the CLXIII Club and its membership?
Geoff, thank you for helping to date the registration. One of the difficulties in identifying this car is that only 8 N Type Airline Coupes were produced and the original registration is known for 7 of them. The other one was sold in Manchester so not a likely candidate for an NJ prefix. Also, it was an early N type 0532. More than likely the car in the picture is not carrying its original registration but I have no explanation for when or why it would have been changed.
We are still at the point in this investigation where every bit of information just makes it all more curiouser and curiouser. Nothing is fitting together yet, but I'm sure a break through will be found.
Thanks to everyone that has continued to follow this thread and made a contribution.
Best Regards,
Dick |
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Cooperman
United Kingdom
790 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2025 : 19:55:34
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Do you think that the CLX111 club is in fact the 1963 club, and that is when the pictures taken?
John Cooper M 628 |
Edited by - Cooperman on 06/04/2025 19:56:33 |
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2025 : 22:36:07
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Thank you John. It's an interesting thought but if the "club" was named for the year 1963 I would expect to see more modern cars on the street. The cars shown indicate it is a picture from the mid fifties.
Now that we've learned the buildings in the picture are located at 167 Hills Road in Cambridge, my guess is there was an establishment at 163 Hills Road that the car owners tended to frequent - a pub perhaps? - and that is the origin of the name.
All still open for discussion and yet to be determined.
Dick
PA 1623 |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
6533 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2025 : 23:15:51
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163 Hills Road is part of the building in the middle of the original picture. It’s the left hand house of the building on the left below. (While the house numbers aren’t easily read, the Hotel Crystal - the building on the right - is 167-169 Hills Road and the numbers increase to the right.)
P.S. They must have had some parties there 
Simon J
J3437 |
Edited by - Simon Johnston on 06/04/2025 23:24:10 |
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Franklin
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2025 : 23:49:27
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Outstanding! Thank you Simon.
We still don't know the owner or which NA Airline we are viewing, but if we ever find out I vote we re enact the photo and the parties! 
Best Regards,
Dick
PA 1623. |
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Topic |
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NA Airline Coupe NJ 8074
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