Miscellany, August 1999

We are used to TV camera shots from cars in today’s races. But who did it first? Certainly a cameraman with a cine-camera rode with Parry Thomas in the Leyland 8 at Brooklands in a race in September 1923 with a lap at 116.36mph. It was said that the cine-chap was quite relieved not to ride again with Thomas in a later race, when he lapped at 118.58mph.

In the VSCC’s very full and varied fixture list the Scottish Trial took place on May 15. It was won easily by Barry Clarke’s 1928 A7. Best in the opposite class was Paul Cassidy (1929 Riley), these drivers respectively taking the Campbell and McCosh Trophies. The Sammy Davis Cup for best Scottish-domiciled entrant went to Stewart Gordon (1929 A7).

Shire publications have issued revised editions of their A7, MG and Jaguar Shire Albums, these well illustrated, expertly written books costing only £2.95. Their list of such albums covers most makes; free catalogue: 01844 344301.

A number of tankards etc awarded to the late EH Diamond have been found in an old bungalow in Berkshire. They relate to his performances in MCC, MG CC, Brighton & Hove MC, Sunbeam MCC and Singer OC in the mid-1930s, together with a picture in oils of the driver and a Lord Nuffield card-holder issued to him in October 1934.

The I Mech E Coventry Shakespeare Run for Veteran to Classic cars takes place on September 5. Entry forms from IFS (UK) Ltd, Vintage House, Kings Lane, Broom, Alcester, Warwicks B50 4HB (01789 772298).

The Hants & Beaks MC continues to keep in touch with its long-standing members with informal lunches at traditional venues from its past, but also by running up-to-date events with titles which also recall the Club’s earlier days, such as scatter rallies and the Holland Birkett Night Trial, etc. It also supports the Eight Clubs Silverstone race meeting, which has its 50th Anniversary on September 11. Secretary: Bill Bonney, 283 Lodden Bridge Road, Woodley, Berks (0118 969 7591). He would be pleased to hear from any ex-members.

The Sunbeam MCC commemorates its 75th birthday at Westerham, Kent, on September 19.

The problems which the withdrawal of leaded petrol next year may cause rumble on and on. Broughtons of Birmingham are quoting £99 for converting a Bentley or R-R to unleaded, including collection and delivery, and an additive ad refers to the cost of conversion of Bentleys, Bugattis and Alvis Speed 25s with fixed heads. Sympathy goes out to those whose last-named beautiful cars have welded head to block!