The Conoulty Special Austin Comet - also known as "Musso"Bill Conoulty driving his 'Special Austin Comet'.The above photograph shows Bill entering Pit Straight at Bathurst -C1938.Photograph supplied by Peter Maher New South Wales, AustraliaThis highly competitive Special raced in New South Wales during the 1930's and 1940's and was the test bed for for many of the Bill Conoulty developed engines during that period. Written documentation during these early years refers to the Special as 'Conoulty Austin 7', 'Conoulty Special', 'Conoulty Special Austin Comet' and 'Musso'.Thomas William (Bill) Conoulty was born in Sydney, NSW, Australia in 1901 and attended Ultimo Technical College. He married and had three children. One son William (Bill) Conoulty Junior followed in his father’s footsteps choosing engineering as his profession. Bill Conoulty passed away in 1961. Thanks to Bill Conoulty Junior, much of his father’s early motoring history has been preserved.William Conoulty Senior is best known for his involvement with building and racing Austin Sevens, motorcycle racing (Douglas Isle of Man) and NSW motor sport from the late 1920’ to the late 1940’s. He was the first man in NSW to achieve 100 mph on a motorcycle. He was an avid supporter of the controversial Maroubra speedway in the 1920’ and early 1930’s. Bill Conoulty is also known for his design of the 'Comet 65' (Sydney built road going Austin Seven Sports model), the ‘Cushioned Power’ Austin Seven head, an overhead valve conversion and an overhead cam conversion for the Austin Seven. He also designed small Austin Seven power "tractors" for indoor use featuring enclosed exhaust gas collection. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney commissioned one of these in 1937 to pull linen trolleys around the wards. One of his more interesting projects was the Sydney version of the ‘Globe of Death’, which in its original form, featured a modified Austin Seven and a Douglas motorcycle travelling in opposite directions!

Historic racing cars hit the track in Sydney for 2012 Tasman Revival  Start your engines for Australia's premier historic racing car event: the 2012 Tasman revival in Sydney from 23rd-25th November 2012 at Eastern Creek Raceway  The 2012 Tasman Revival is an unrivaled opportunity for racing car enthusiasts to experience the excitement of 1960s “formula cars ” and 1970s Formula 5000 cars in full flight with over 30 racing events over three days. Spectators can soak up the sights, sounds and tremendous atmosphere of historic motorsport over three days of almost continuous racing, with close trackside access to races, cars and drivers. Presented by the Historic Sports & Racing Car Association of NSW, the 2012 Tasman Revival will bring together ex-Formula 1 and Indy cars including Ferrari, McLaren, Spirit Honda, Brabham, Surtees, Lola and Lotus. A grid of fearsome Formula 5000s will feature at the event when over 12,000 hp rattles the windows and shakes the ground of Eastern Creek. Other categories will be there too – production sports cars such as Austin Healeys and Porsches, touring cars including Mustangs and Falcon GTs and single seaters from Formula Vee through Juniors and Formula Ford to F1. Many of Australia ’s best known drivers will be at the track with opportunities for autographs.Patron of the Tasman Revival FRANK MATICH AM, two-time winner of the Australian Grand Prix and builder of some of Australia ’s most iconic and successful racing cars will be attending on Sunday. Spokesperson for the Mr. Stephen Knox said:  “The Tasman Revival is a not-to-be-missed event for racing car enthusiasts.It ’s a rare chance to see some of the fastest cars from the 1960s and ‘70s compete on track with almost continuous racing over three exciting days. “Spectators get incredible access to the cars and drivers with the Memorabilia Marquee displaying many significant and spectacular cars. Full access is available to garages and marquees throughout the paddock areas and no special passes are needed. “Historic racing is the biggest and fastest growing branch of motorsport in Australia and throughout the Western world. We are expecting about 450 entries including more than 50 international competitors. “It ’s a great day for the entire family and something you will never forget. TICKETS from $20 available from Ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136 100 For details visit www.tasmanrevival.comJoin us on facebook: www.facebook.com.hsrca  And follow us on twitter @hsrcaFor details visit www.tasmanrevival.comJoin us on facebook: www.facebook.com.hsrca  And follow us on twitter @hsrcaMEDIA CONTACT: Mr. Peter Addison – 0412 403 582