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The Morris Eight Tourer Club
of New Zealand (Inc)


ALADDIN'S MAGIC CAVE.
ADELAIDE BRANCH.
Long ago as a child I heard stories of a boy called Aladdin living in a far off land who stumbled upon a huge cave filled with all kinds of treasures.

In later years, as a restorer of an old vehicle, It was my luck to find myself in what had to be Adelaide's version of Aladdin's cave.
This cave wasn't in the ground, or a hillside, (It is however in the shade of Mount Wingfield a huge mound that has grown from years of accumulated waste.) and looks more like an ordinary galvanized shed than a treasure trove.
For the first visit I was unsure if I'd located the site of that oft mentioned cache of goodies, no street number or signage, but the landmarks I was given by a friend seemed to be correct.

Once inside the shed I knew I'd found my Mecca. The destination I would often find myself visiting time and time again.
The first most eye catching thing one can't help but notice on entering is the ceiling adorned with what seems to be almost every headlight unit imaginable.   This display resembling jewels hanging overhead, is just one of many random displays that sets the restorer's, and collector of motoring memorabilia's heart racing.

Our Aladdin, John Biddle emerges from somewhere in the depths of his treasure trove. There are many long isles running away opposite the counter area.
John, a  quietly spoken and very helpful person who must have exceptional memory resources, can guide you to, “that box that if you like to look through it, may have one of those.” None of the boxes are labelled, but John can put his hand on the right box.
 Be it door handles, steering bits and pieces, manufacturer's badges, mostly used parts, but quite often new, and still wrapped in the original grease-proof paper, can often be found.
If he hasn't got it, he can often guide you to someone who has.

John first started in this field as a seventeen year old “thirty eight years ago.” Filling an old Rosewater house and its yard with his collection of old cars and memorabilia. With no intention of selling.
Then eighteen years later, he answered the restorers dreams and opened shop in Fisk St. Enfield. He has never looked back since.  As the volume of his stock increased, he found the need to seek larger premises. That is where we find him today at Wingfield.

I asked John “just where do you find all these treasures, and what is your involvement in swap meets?”
From his answer, I don't think he's been guilty of missing out on too many swap meets, for once there, as well as selling, he picks up a lot of his parts. Also he keeps his ear to the ground for news of interesting clearing sales etc.. not to mention parts that by word of mouth come his way.

One story he relates about an interstate swap meet he attended, was when he wanted to peruse the other stalls leaving his friend Peg Leg Louie to look after things.
When John returned to his stall, he found his friend sitting as he'd left him, still clutching his mug of coffee, wearing a bemused look on his face.
“What's up?” John asked.
“Some bird just dropped a two dollar coin in my coffee.”
“Did you spew at her?” John asked.
“Nah! That's two dollars I didn't have before.” Was Louie's reply.

John is in the throes of restoring a 1938 Dodge, and although at one time he owned nine of these cars for spares, he reckons it's one of the hardest cars to find parts for.

John's customers come from far and wide. Not only from all over Australia, but has had customers from Germany, USA, New Zealand, and Canada, are but a few I remember him rattling off.

As time goes by the visitor to our Adelaide Aladdin's Cave comes to realize that some of the folk who are there during one visit, are often there at other times too.
This is not only a good place to hunt out the Antique Auto Spares  you desperately need at a fair price, but it's also a good place to meet others with similar interests.

Barry.



Footnote:
Folks wishing to contact John,
Can do so by Phone / Fax.  (08) 8268 5540
Or call in @ 33 Fourth St.  Wingfield

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