Mercedes bends

Sir.

Your caption writer (MOTOR SPORT, October 1993, p1029, Oldtimer GP) seems to be under the impression that Mercedes SSKs haven’t raced in the UK, although I confess I have only seen them once.

Many of us had the pleasure of witnessing a Mercedes team competing in the Christies Cup at Silverstone in July 1991, against Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Invicta, MG, Riley and Talbot teams, plus a Hispano Suiza and a Lea Francis. In the programme is see that no less than two SSKs, one SSKL and one SS Rennsport are listed, although I don’t recall them all appearing.

I enclose a photograph taken in the paddock showing Peter Kern’s 1929 SS Rennsport (41), Markus Kern’s 1931 SSKL (40) and Manfred Dietze’s 1929 SSK. (Yes, there was an air display, hence the people looking skywards!).

A pity we don’t see — and hear — them being driven in anger more often on this side of the Channel.

Richard Halliday, Beaconsfield, Bucks.