There are plenty of marque-specific owners’ clubs that cater for the entire output of a motoring brand, but where the Ford Sidevalve Owners’ Club (FSOC) is concerned, it caters for a fairly specific portion of classic Fords built between 1932 and 1962. However, somewhat unusually, within its ranks you’ll also find a whole raft of cars that featured Ford power, and specifically its sidevalve-engined models produced for those three decades.
The current FSOC chairman is John Porter, who gave us a potted history of the club. “The club was formed in 1969,” said Porter, “for owners of the Ford 100E built between 1953 and 1962, but it soon expanded to include all small sidevalve Fords dating back to 1932, including the Model Y, Model C, 7Y & 7W, the later ‘Upright’ models (E93A, E493A, E494A, 103E) as well as the various 100E derivatives and the 107E OHV-engined Prefect.
“The club also caters for the many other sidevalve-related vehicles including commercials (Ford 300E and E83W), the various tourers and convertibles, Ford-based specials, and any other specialist application for the four-cylinder sidevalve range of Ford engines. We’re keen to welcome owners whether their car is standard or modified and mint or grotty – or anything in between.”
Events
Although the FSOC does put on some of its own fixtures (especially regional ones), most of the events in which it takes part are organised by other people or groups. These include the enormous multi-marque weekends at Tatton Park, the Enfield Pageant of Motoring, the Old Ford Rally at the British Motor Museum and the Kent All Ford Show at Aylsford Priory. The club also exhibits at the two NEC classic car shows each March and November in Birmingham.
As with so many clubs, the lifeblood of the FSOC is the network of 33 regional groups which put on their own gatherings, whether that’s at a pub for a catch up or a drive-out, taking in the local roads. While most FSOC members are based in the UK, there are also quite a few overseas, which is why there are also nine groups that represent owners as far afield as Australia, North America, Canada, India Sri Lanka and mainland Europe.
Key benefits
There are quite a few benefits of membership, but probably the two most important for members is the spares service and the help available to retain an original registration, or to have an age-related plate assigned to a vehicle.
John Porter comments: “The DVLA’s vehicle records were computerised in about 1977 and there are still cars out there which have been off the road since before then. Others, such as some specials, were never finished and have languished in barns and garages for more than 50 years. The club can help to authenticate such cars, but to retain an original registration number some original paperwork will also need to be available, including an original log book or old-style V5.”
The spares scheme is available only to members, some of whom join simply for access to the impressive catalogue of parts that are available. Encompassing lots of second-hand parts such as engines, axles, gearboxes, trim parts and body panels, there are also huge numbers of components available so that members can undertake their own mechanical rebuilds. The FSOC’s stores unit in Abingdon is bursting at the seams with gaskets, bearings and bushes along with brake, steering, suspension and drivetrain bits to keep classics on the road.
The other key benefit is the vast wealth of knowledge available within the Ford Sidevalve Owners’ Club. An array of registrars are in place to help with specific sidevalve types such as the 100E and 107E, specials and pre-war models. While these volunteers are very experienced , there’s also help to be found within the FSOC’s Facebook group, which is open only to members.
Need to know: Ford Sidevalve Owners’ Club
Founded: 1969
Current membership: 1200
Membership fees: £35 (UK), £38 (Europe), £43 (overseas)
Regional groups: 33 in the UK, 9 international
Publications: Bi-monthly magazine
Club website: fsoc.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/FordSidevalveClub
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I am interested to know whether an electric motor conversion is available as an alternative to the old vacuum system on 100e Anglia/Popular/Prefect Fords? And, if so, is it an easy fix?