Reports of Recent Events, May 1950

On March 26th the W.E.C.C. held speed trials at Boreham airfield, timing cars in pairs over a standing kilometre—an ambitious event for a new club. They hope later to hold races there, so that Boreham, near Chelmsford, can be added to the British venues listed Editorially last month. Again indicative of the present-day interest in motor sport, 96 entries came in for this closed event! F.T.D. was made by Matthews’ 3½-litre Jaguar at 29.15 sec. (76.74 m.p.h.), against Tony Crook’s 29.41 sec. (76.06 m.p.h.) in the ex-Bennett 2-litre Alta. Raymond Way’s B.M.W. was fastest unblown car, in 31.23 sec., Ayrton’s Type 51 Bugatti fastest sports car, in 31.32 sec., Matthews’ Jaguar being best of the road-equipped open cars in 34.16 sec., while another 3½-litre Jaguar made best saloon-car time, in 38.64 sec., driven by a Chelmsford Police driver—further evidence that the police are sportsmen and not out to catch those who go fast in the right places. Mrs. Mortimer’s Healey “Silverstone” did 34.16 sec., Jacobs took the M.G. Midget Trophy in a TC, in 41.5 sec., and the class winners were:—

 

Sports Cars up to 1,100-c.c., Any Trim.—R. W. Jacobs (s/c M.G.), 33.11 sec.

Sports Cars, 1,101-1,500-c.c., Any Trim.—G. E. Phillips (TC, M.G.), 34.18 sec.

Standard Open Cars up to 1,100-c.c.—R. A. May (PB M.G.), 43.24 sec.

Standard Open Cars, 1,101-1,500-c.c.—R. W. Jacobs (TC M.G.), 41.50 sec.

Standard Open Cars, 1,501-3,000-c.c.—F. A. Spiller (TC s/c M.G.), 38.80 sec.

Standard Open Cars, Unlimited.—R. K. Clarkson (J-type Allard), 36.60 sec.

Standard Saloon Cars up to 1,100-c.c.—J. B. Lewis {Riley Nine), 50.75 sec.

Standard Saloon Cars, 1,101-1,500-c.c.—H.. W. Dalling (Police M.G.), 46.09 sec.

Standard Saloon Cars, 1,501-3,000-c.c.—M. H. Buckler (Healey), 39.06 sec.

Standard Saloon Cars, Unlimited.—A. H. J. Whitehead (Police 3½-litre Jaguar), 39.13 sec.

 

On April 1st, 1950, the West Hants and Dorset Car Club ran the first of what is hoped to be a yearly event, a night trial for the Graham Challenge Cup.

 

The trial was run over a 35-mile course in Dorset, starting at Lytchett Minster at 9 p.m., and the last competitor signing off at the final check in the wilds of Bovington Heath at 1.15 a.m. on Sunday, from where they made their own way to Sibley Potteries, where a first-class meal was laid on.

 

Each competitor was given a list of map references and a clue against each one, i.e., What No House. Anyone searching very thoroughly in the vicinity of the above reference would have found a tent containing a couple of very cold marshals, dressed in pyjamas, frying sausages over a Primus stove and protesting most convincingly that their privacy should be disturbed at such on unearthly hour of the night.

 

The Graham Cup was eventually won by Ian Lee-Duncan, driving a Singer Roadster, with a total of 109 marks out of a possible 150, being only two minutes late at the final check. A very creditable performance considering how well the marshals had hidden themselves.

 

Mrs. Sheppard, the only lady competitor, proved her superiority over her brother males by qualifying for a first-class award. Other awards were as follows:—

 

Graham Challenge Cup.—Ian Lee-Duncan, 109 marks.

First-Class Awards.—F. Curry, 86 marks; A. Durrant, 64 marks; W. A. Walker, 60 marks; Mrs. Sheppard, 55 marks.

Second-Class Awards.—J. Macklin, 52 marks; A. Cooper, 46 marks; L. Onslow-Bartlett, 40 marks; W. H. Nunwick, 34 marks.

 

On April 1st the Bentley D.C. held its well-known Eastbourne Rally. There were eight driving tests on the promenade beside the sea and Lancia cars did particularly well.

 

Results:

Eastbourne Trophy: J. G. Growther (Lancia Astura), Lancia M.C.

Runner-up: D. H. Gahagan (Lancia Lambda),Lancia M.C.

Third: D. E. R. Greig (Frazer-Nash), V.S.C.C.

Best B.D.C. Member: W. A. L. Cook (4½-litre, Bentley).

 

This event, held on the common between Farnborough and Fleet, has gained the reputation of being “tough,” but on April 2nd conditions were, perhaps, easier than on former occasions. The notorious Soggy Wood, duly flooded by the local fire-brigade the day before, was a real mud section with a great reputation amongst spectators, but the remaining sections were more of the driving-test order: 43 entries were received and in follow-my-leader formation the cars made their way on to the common to Soggy Wood. Harvey (Allard) lent his first essay through the slimy waters spoiled by a stray dog, but on a later attempt, wetted the plugs well and truly. Len Parker’s Parker got through, clutch and engine protesting, but Denyer’s Lea-Francis was early in difficulties. The Clayton Special then showed how easy it could be, Seelly’s Ford followed suit, at speed, in spite of is rather fluffy engine, and Rumfitt (Allard) took it steadily and sensibly, radiator covered over. Smith let, his F.M.B. slew sideways in the second “pond,” which brought him to rest. Hunt swamped the engine of his Taylor-Hunt and pulled on to the grass to dry it out. Blundell’s B.B. Special soundedl a bit damp, too, but got through, Fitzwater (Riley Special) was neat, using blipping tactics, and Jim Appleton did everything right in his Allard, using its useful power with reserve when the back wheels sank momentarily. Very polished was Harry Hopkinson in a Ford-Austin, although his son’s Wolseley failed near the end. Brookes had a dicey passage in his E.R.P., but V. S. A. Biggs’ Ford just fell in is hole and stopped. Durling, driving the ex-Birkett Austin Seven, small child in back, used lots of rather rough-sounding revs. in getting through, and Lang likewise in his “Ulster” Austin Seven, although he was exceedingly sure. Panton’s Allard only just made it, but Jackman’s Price Special just swam through, entirety without effort and accelerating after the wetter bits like an electric car. Other excellent displays were put up by Dewey (Riley) and Cotton (Cotton Special), the latter blipping his engine, while Brown’s Brown-Ford V8, clutch seeming to slip a little, was very sure and the Spence-Special sailed through like a small boat. In contrast, Roberts’ Ausford sank early, Chandler’s M.G. Magnette tourer stopped hopelessly in the first “pond,” Smith’s M.G.-Ford likewise, although it managed a few more feet by itself on further persuasion. Wicks’ Riley, exhaust well clear, was neatly handled. The next hazard was Barker’s Hole, where the Parker V12 misfired and fluffed out, Jackman lacked power and one or two others had trouble. The next two sections failed very few, although on the first, Smith’s M.G.-Ford had insufficient power.

 

In the Special Test Clayton and Waring tied for best time.

 

Results:

Birkett Trophy.—H. Clayton (Clayton Special) and W. H. Waring (Dellow), tie.

Class A First-Class Award.—B. Fitzwater (Riley Special).

Class A Second-Class Award.—C. S. Dewey (Riley).

Class A Third-Class Award.—S. White (Auswyte).

Class B First-Class Awards.—Clayton and Waring.

Class B Third-Class Award.—L. J. Tolman (Betsy).

Class C First-Class Award.—A. L. S. Denyer (Lea-Francis).

Class D First-Class Award.—R. W. Faulkner (Mercury).

Class D Second-Class Award.—A. Rumfitt (Allard).

Class D Third-Class Award.—J. H. Appleton (Allard).

 

A crowd of approximately 12,000 visited the Brough Aerodrome Circuit on Good Friday, when the Blackburn Welfare Motor Club held their first meeting of the season. The 500-c.c. car race was divided into two heats.

 

Heat 1: D. Parker (Parker Special) went ahead from the start and was never seriously challenged and led throughout. with J. G. Reece (Cooper-J.A.P.) second and D. P. B. Prosser (Cooper-J.A.P.) running third. M. C. Kearon (Cooper) went out on the third lap with engine trouble. Parker’s fastest lap was at 57.3 m.p.h. on the fourth lap, and he won at 56.8 m.p.h.

 

Heat 2: Six cars came to the line. A. B. Rogers (Cooper) jumped into the lead, closely followed by W. L. Grose (Grose Special) and J. R. Stoop (C.F.S. Special). These last two had a hammer and-tongs duel throughout, J. R. Stoop finished just ahead of Grose, with J. Raper (Marwyn) fourth, A. M. Beardshaw (Cooper) fifth, and C. D. Headland (Cooper) sixth. Fastest lap was made by J. R. Stoop at 56.1 m.p.h., the race being won at 54.1 m.p.h.

 

In the final again Parker went into the lead from the start, whilst J. G. Reece (Cooper), A. B. Rogers (Cooper) and D. P. B. Prosser (Cooper) fought it out for the next three places. Prosser just managed to squeeze home into second place in front of Reece. Again the fastest lap was made by Parker, who had the “legs” of everybody else at this meeting.

 

Competitors and spectators all agreed that the Easter Hill-Climb of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club was one of the best of its kind ever held. This meeting was held at Oodoowerre Estate, a large tea plantation, on Easter Sunday.

 

The greatest praise must go to Glen Dickson who, on his Triumph Speed Twin, clocked the fastest time of the day for motor-cycles. He lost very little at the bends and his gear-changing was always correct.

 

In the 750-c.c. class for motor cars Edward Mason once again thrilled the spectators with his masterly handling of the Baby F.I.A.T., and maintained his successful record in this class.

 

The honours in the cars up to 1,100 c..c went. to Mrs. Glen Hickson. Her performance was really creditable, and her driving excellent.

 

The event for racing cars of unlimited class was to have been the tit-bit of the day. Filby in a Cooper 500 made the fastest time of the day for motor cars. Jinasena driving his home-built supercharged Magpie was unfortunate to hit a sandbag and run off the road. Jinasena made another attempt in heavy rain but could not improve on Filby’s time.

 

M. Lafeer Kariapper at his maiden attempt at this annual hill-climb, won the event for cars of 1,100 c.c. to 1,500 c.c.

 

Motor-Cycles:

350 c.c..—Freddy Stang (Ariel).

Unlimited.—Glen Dickson (Triumph).

 

Motor Cars:

Up to 750 c.c.—Edward Mason

Up to 1,100 c.c.—Mrs. Glen Dickson (Standard).

Up to 1,500 c.c.—M. Lafeer Kariapper (Austin A40).

Sports Cars up to 1,500 c.c.—W. H. Newman (M.G.).

Racing Cars, Unlimited.—A. E. F. Filby (Cooper 500).

 

This event, which actually started at Hartlebury and finished at Bewdley, resulted in a win for L. Shaw (M.G. 1¼-litre) for the second year in succession.

 

Shaw drove from scratch while super-sports cars and trials specials were handicapped 15 per cent., and he finally beat J. D. Sleeman (Sleeman Special) by one mark only.

 

The competition comprised four special tests of manoeuvrability, an acceleration test, a brake test, a stop and restart, a double stop and go, and a ties test.

 

In the closed car category, L. Shaw won every test except the brake test. while J. D. Sleeman (Sleeman Special) and K. Rawlings (Vanguard Special) shared honours in the other category.

 

R. W. Horton (Citroën) made best performance in the brake test, while G. D. Waldron (Dellow) and A. W. Francis (3,917-c.c. F.M.) were tied for best time in the acceleration test.

 

Both Mrs. J. Cooke (1,172-c.c. Ford saloon) and V. Ostroumoff (1,172-c.c. Dellow, s.) drove neatly and consistently throughout.

 

Clare Cup (best performance of the day).—L. Shaw (1,250-c.c. M.G. saloon), lost 1 mark.

Hamilton Cup (best performance opposite class).—J. D. Sleeman (1,172-c.c. Sleeman Special), lost 2 marks.

First-Class Awards.—V. Ostroumoff (1,172-c.c. Dellow, s.), lost 6 marks; K. Rawlings (2,088-c.c. Vanguard Special), lost 14 marks; L. J. Oliver (1,172-c.c. Oliver), lost 14 marks; Mrs. Joy Cooke (1,172-c.c. Ford saloon), lost 14 marks.

Second-Class Awards.—S. A. Beasley (750-c.c. Austin), lost 16 marks; B. J. Rodenham (1,172-c.c. Dellow). lost 16 marks.

Team Award (“Scuderia Squirtsodia”).—G. D. Waldron (1,172-c.c. Dellow, s.) and K. Rawlings (2,088-c.c. Vanguard special).

 

The Maidstone & Mid-Kent M.C. Navigation Trial was run on the Hants & Berks lines, and the Ashford (Kent) M.C. assisted, even supplying ghosts and highwaymen.

 

Premier Award.—E. Brandon.

Next Best.—J. R. Kemne-Roberts.

First-Class Awards.—G. F. Hayward and H. E. Fuller.

Second-Class Awards.—J. Pocock.

 

No less than 45 entries were received for the above event. All the cars were presented to the judges on April 8th in beautiful condition, the result of many hours of loving work by their owners.

 

Veteran Cars up to 1904

Class I (Open or Closed having four or more seats):

1st: J. W. Wills (1899 Star vis-a-vis).

2nd: H. Parkinson (1901 Darracq tonneau).

Class II (Open or Closed having up to three seats):

1st: S. J. Skinner (1904 Humber two-seater).

2nd: G. Mawer (1904 Oldsmobile curved-dash runabout).

Prix D’Honneur (best car in Show): W. Browning (1900 New Orleans voiturette).

 

Edwardian Cars—1905 to 1916

Class III (Open Coachwork):

1st: F. W. Hutton-Stott (1913 Lanchester 38-h.p. torpedo),

2nd: E. R. Cass (1909 Delage 12-h.p. two-seater).

3rd: W. S. Oldham (1910 Daimler 38-h.p. tourer).

Class IV (Closed Coachwork): P. Risden (1912 Rolls-Royce “40/50” limousine).

 

This was it truly arduous event, decided finally on driving-test times.

 

Results:

Highland Challenge Trophy.— A. E. Wilson (Austin).

Runner-up Award.—M. Goodall (Ford).

Cameron Hastie Trophy (best over 1½-litre car).—J. C. Kennedy (Wolseley).

Team Prize.—Messers. Gibbon (Girastro), Hendry (Speedy) and Pattinson (Allard).

Second-Class Award.—Goodall (Ford).

 

Begley’s Ford Ten-engined Ward Special won through in this difficult event, which attracted 58 starters. Moss Bank and Bank Top proved to be extremely difficult and only T. C. Harrison (Ford Ten Harford) climbed Zig-Snag. In addition, three special tests had to be tackled.

 

Results:

Best Performance.—J. Clegg (1,172-c.c. Clegg), no marks lost.

Best in Opposite Class.—J. C. WaIlwork (1,776-c.c. Standard), 11 marks lost.

Best Visitor.—R. W. Phillips (1,496-c.c. Fairley), 5 marks lost.

Best Novice.—W. T. Leigh (1,568-c.c. M.G.), 30 marks lost.

Team Prize.—Yorkshire S.C.C. A. M. R. Matlock (1,172-c.c. Austin Special), M. Wilde (1,172-c.c. Ford) and J. Lister (1,172-c.c. Austin Special).

First-Class Awards.—T. C. Harrison (1,172-c.c. Harrison Special), G. E. Hankins (1,172-c.c. Ford), B. K. Thompson (1.172-c.c. A.W. Special), M. Wilde (1,172-c.c. Ford), and A. M. R. Mallock (1,172-c.c. Austin Special).

 

The Thirtieth Land’s End Trial followed the utility pattern of its predecessor, except for the fact that the three “motor-cycle only” hills were cut out this year. How the older members of the M.C.C. must look back wistfully to 1908 and all that, when 600 miles were the order of the day!

 

It has become quite a recognised sport of the local inhabitants to doctor Beggar’s Roost each year, and this year the effort reached such chassis-breaking heights that club officials spent late Good Friday rendering first aid to this centrepiece. So well was this done that many a competitor was of the opinion that the “Roost” was kindlier than last year.

 

Nevertheless twelve car entrants had the fatal “S” marked against them on the first ascent, and nine on the second occasion. H. Tregenza’s Bradford Utility Showed no inclination to make the climb, and H. J. Finden drove his Lagonda Rapier to a standstill about half-way up. As a contrast, J. C. Searle’s immaculate new red Riley Sports, with three up in front, whipped through the section. A small depression centred over Scroggs, for the faithful chain-drive Trojan jibbed at the “Roost” on both occasions, and he was heard to mutter something about weight distribution and passengers. Wright in his 1924 Frazer-Nash also found the climb too severe.

 

But it was Ashwell and Southernwood which proved to be the stumbling blocks for cars. Ashwell, always inclined to a damp surface, registered 22 stops. On the run out Southernwood stopped only nine, but the afternoon’s wind-whipped rain on this steep galley helped to augment the score by twenty-six on the return journey.

 

For the motor-cyclists, of which there were nearly as many entries as cars—material here for the students of the economics of motor sport—Doverhay caused 50 per cent. to drop marks. The old hands who knew the line to take round the loose-surfaced S-bend had little but others dived at the banks, paddled round the bend, or came to a complete stop.

 

The sidecars, too, found Doverhay formidable, and only Peacock rode his Matchless combination op the hill. Of the seven sidecar entries, he was the only one to gain a first-class award.

 

No hazard was too severe for that veteran W. J. Haward in his 1922 Bayliss Thomas, with shortened chassis, and he was rewarded with a well-earned First-Class. The H.R.G. drivers went home with seven firsts, two seconds, and the one-make car team award—good going for a band of nine enthusiasts.

 

Easter and the Land’s End have become synonymous, but much of the genial atmosphere of the event would be lost without the careful “nursing” of competitors, officials, and Press by Mr. and Mrs. Masters.

 

Car Results:

First-Class Awards.—F. Allott (H.R.G.), Dan Clare (Clayton Special), W. J.Haward (Bayliss-Thomas), D. Bollom (Dellow, s/c.), E. D. Scobey (H.R.G.), J. H. Radbourne (H.R.G.), J. M. Lewis (H.R.G.), W. H. Waring (Dellow, s/c.), C. R. L. Nicoll (Ford), P. Scott (H.R.G.), J. V. S. Brown (H.R.G.), D. C. Mitchell (H.R.G.), A. E. Frost (A.F.S.), A. B. Napper (Austin-Ford), L. R. Gear (L.R.G.), C. F. Crossby (Vauxhall Special, s/c.), Ben H. Brown (Ford-Brown Special), W. F. Mead (Allard, s/c.), G. L. Hancock (Allard), J. H. H. Barrow (Barrow Special), N. K. W. Bagley (Bitzaford), R. W. Faulkner (Mercury), K. E. O. Burgess (Allard, s/c.), J. P. G. Horton (Knowles), A. L. S. Denyer (Lea-Francis) and D. C. Mitchell (H.R.G.).

 

Second-Class Awards.—W. E. Wonnacott (Morgan), C. M. Davis (M.G), E. G. Smith (A.R.M. Special), G. M. Boyes (Batten Special), J. H. Leigh (Frazer-Nash), Dr. J. T. Spare (Whiteford Special), D. C. S. Bassett (H.R.G.), A. O. Gosnell (H.R.G.), F. Morrish (Frazer-Nash), P. H. G. Morgan (Morgan), W. A. G. Goodall (Morgan), D. C. Bishop (M.G., s/c.), R. E. Holt (Allard coupé), P. G. Mallam (Allard), G. S, Edwards (M.G.). and J. H. Leigh (Frazer-Nash).

 

Third-Class Awards.—A. F. Scroggs (Trojan), H. W. Burman (Lea-Francis), T. G. Cunane (M.G. “TC,” s/c.), R. E. Wright (Frazer-Nash), Dr. J. Spiridon (Riley Sprite), W. E. Edgar (Alvista), E. H. Dennis (Morgan “4/4”), R. A. Hellyar (Singer), J. H. Pool (Ford), A. L. Chard (Ford, s/c.), and M. C. Parrott (Buckler).

 

Mixed Motor-Cycles Team Award.—M. S. Ewbank (Triumph), R. W. Peacock (A.J.S.) and W. H. J. Peacock (Matchless sidecar).

 

One-Make Car Team Award.—E. D. Scobey, J. H. Radbourne and J. M. Lewis (H.R.G.).

 

Mixed Car Team Award.—R. W. Faulkner (Mercury), K. Burgess (Allard, s/c.) and P. G. Mallam (Allard, s/c.).

 

The weather on Easter Monday was anything but good, but despite this a large crowd assembled to witness some brilliant driving during the course of the afternoon. Main centre of interest in the paddock was undoubtedly Geoffrey Healey’s very smart “Silverstone” Healey, powered with a V8 Cadillac engine. It was obvious during its first run that the big car was slightly over-geared for the hill, but nevertheless was handled beautifully, and clocked 30.2 sec.

 

The first event was for sports cars up to 1,100 c.c., and W. A. Cleave did a very neat climb in his Morris Special to record 29.8 sec., and it was obvious that sooner or later Onslow Bartlet’s three-year-old record of 28 sec. was going to be beaten.

 

Great interest was evinced in the 1,500-c.c. class, notable entries including Phil Uglow’s Riley-engined H.R.G., driven by Ashley Cleave, Mrs. F. C. Mayne’s hotted-up “TC” Midget, Martin Lewis’ ex-John Newton H.R.G., the Buckler of M. C. Parrott, and Dennis Scobey’s very fleet Singer-H.R.G. Lewis was first off the line and, driving magnificently, clocked 27.2 sec., knocking 0.8 sec. off the previous record. Scobey then proceeded to demonstrate that he too knew the quickest way up and equalled Lewis’ time of 27.2 sec. Excitement was tense as Cleave lined up, but after a very quick get-away could only clock 28.2 sec., after demolishing the finishing post and scattering the marshals in all directions. Mrs. Mayne followed and drove her Midget in faultless style to record 31.5 sec. Parrott did a very neat climb in 31.7 sec.

 

The over-1,500-c.c. class attracted five entries, among them being C. R. Nicholl’s Ford V8 Special, which climbed in 29.8 sec., Raymond Hartnoll’s J.B.M., which did 31.2 sec., Healey’s “Silverstone” Healey, 30.2 sec., and Ralph McGildowny’s 1925 45-h.p. Hispano-Suiza. This car weighs 2½ tons, but was handled with ease on the difficult bends to return 32.3 sec.

 

By the time the Open Championship came on the rain was tumbling down and the concrete track was becoming very greasy. A terrific battle ensued between Cleave, Scobey and Lewis, which the latter just managed to win from Cleave in 29.0 sec. Cleave returned 20.1 sec. and Scobey 20.3 sec. to end a memorable day.

 

The fastest time of the day went jointly to Lewis and Scobey, in 27.2 sec., and this was a particularly meritorious performance as they had only just returned from competing in the Land’s End Trial as members or the winning team, and had had no time to prepare their motors.

 

Results:

Cars up to 1,000 c.c.:

1st: W. A. Cleave (Morris Special) … 29.8 sec.

2nd: D. Upex (M.G.) … 31.4 sec.

3rd: H. R. Willcox (M.G.) … 33.2 sec.

 

Cars 1,100 to 1,500 c.c.:

Cars over 1,500 c.c.:

Open Championship:

Playgoing vintagents may remember that when Shaw’s “Man and Superman” was first produced it was suggested that Mistinguette and the author should get together with the object of producing a superman possessed, presumably, of her beauty and his brains. G.B.S. is reported to have declined because he was unable to countenance the dreadful possibility of the offspring being endowed with her brains and his beauty.

 

Enthusiasts who assemble the best elements from one or two vehicles of proved excellence Into one homogeneous whole obviously run no comparable risk, for two very thoroughgoing mongrels triumphed over all the thoroughbreds, three times out of a possible four at Gamston airfield near Retford, when the Nottingham S.C.C. held their first meeting of the season there last Easter Monday.

 

J. D. Radford’s “Riley-Morris,” for instance, is of unashamedly mixed ancestry, comprising as it does (among other things) four carburetters applied to a 1,100-c.c. Riley engine which is mounted upon a Morris Minor chassis which, in turn, has been endowed with a “P” M.G. front axle. Yet It gave Gahagen’s Austin Seven 20 seconds’ start in the Vintage Handicap and still beat it, while A. S. Findlater’s 1½-litre Alfa-Romeo of unassailably pure pedigree, starting in the same class, could only achieve third place. Moreover. with Its time of 8 min. 52.6 sec. for the course, it covered the five laps in some 41 seconds less than the S. G. Pollard (starting from scratch) needed for his 3-litre Bentley. It has to be admitted, however, that the event had an unusually slender entry list for so vintage-conscious a club as the N.S.C.C.—this (quite apart from the clutch on Alan Wither’s 2-litre Lagonda suddenly going at the welt) being due to the fact that the inexorable rota took unusually large toll of the vintage enthusiasts, as officials of the meeting.

 

It was the other mongrel—E. H. Ashton ‘s Ashford Special, powered by a near-standard Ford Ten engine, plus blower—which turned out to be quite definitely the car du jour. In it, K. Wood put up the f.t.d. and won the two most important races.

 

The Alan Withers-George Radford whelp (mostly 1,096-c.c. G.N.) was another arbitrary assembly, which, braving previously done nothing to dispel the Shavian fears on miscegenation, at last got both wicks burning evenly and the whole plant cooking—as our transatlantic creditors would say—with gas. It didn’t manage to get any awards and its half-turn lock-to-lock steering looked terrifyingly direct, but it nevertheless circuited very promisingly and harried Nancy Binns’ Riley Sprite—though again it must be admitted that Mrs Binns’ No. 1 entry, her more recently acquired Sprite, had earlier burnt up a piston and that this No. 2 effort was in little more than touring trim.

 

The more historically-minded among the post-vintage people were very gratified to see C. A. Booker’s “TC” M.G. lead in T. H. Shipside’s “TD” by a good four seconds, in the under-1,250-c.c. unsupercharged sports-car race, but they had to think again before the afternoon was out because Shipside then brought in his “TD” more than three seconds earlier than Booker (in the M.G.-only race), and this despite the fact that the said Booker was only four-fifths of a second outside his previous time.—Colin Crofts.

 

Results:

Course roughly triangular. Each lap 1.3 miles (approx.). Grid start.

Sports Cars up to 750 c.c. S/C., 1,250 c.c. Non-S.C. (5 Laps):

1st: C. A. Booker (1,250-c.c. “TC” M.G.) 8 min. 2.4 sec.

2nd: T. C. Shipside (1,250-c.c. “TC” M.G.) 8 min. 6.8 sec.

3rd: W. Finch (M.G.) 8 min. 9.4 sec.

 

Racing Cars up to 1,500 c.c. S.C., 4,500 c.c. Non-S/C. (8 Laps):

1st: K. Wood (1,172-c.c. Ashford Special, s/c.) 11 min. 55.0 sec.

2nd: G. Lant (747-c.c. M.G.) 12 min. 20.0 sec.

3rd: D. Richardson (3,892-c.c. Riley) 12 min.’21.0 sec.

 

Sports Cars up to 1,500 c.c. S/C., 4,500 Non-S/C. (8 Laps):

1st: E. P. Scragg (3,485-c.c. Jaguar “100”)

2nd: Clark (Riley-Ford)

3rd: G. R. Stokes (M.G., s/c.)

 

Vintage Care Handicap (5 Laps)—(Under 750 c.c. received 60 sec., under 1,500 c.c. 40 sec.):

1st: J. D. Radford (1,100-c.c. Riley-Morris) … 8 min. 52.6 sec.

2nd: C. R. Gahagen (747-c.c. Austin) 9 min 35.5 sec.

3rd: A. S. Findlater (1,487-c.c., Alfa-Romeo) 9 min. 43.8 sec.

 

M.G. Cars up to 1,250 c.c., Non-S/C. (5 Laps):

1st: T. K. Shipside (1,200-c.c. M.G.) 8 min. 0.0 sec.

2nd: C. A. Booker (1,250-c.c. M.G.) 8 min. 3.4 sec.

3rd: D. Ryder (1,250-c.c. M.G.) 8 min. 9.4 sec.

 

Vitesse Trophy (Formula Libre) (8 Laps):

1st: K. Wood (1,172-c.c. Ashfore, s/c.) 11 min. 41.0 sec.

2nd :E. P. Scregg (3,485-c.c. Jaguar “100”) 11 min. 54.6 sec.

3rd: G. Lant (747-c.c. M.G., s/c.) 12 min. 3.2 sec.

 

Saloons Car Sprint:

1st: K. Flint (Allard).

2nd: Gourby (2½-litre Jaguar).

 

The 21 entrants in this follow-my-leader event turned out with the varied and well-maintained selection of machines for this this club is famous, including a 1923 Crossley, 1923 Morris-Cowley, two Lancia Specials and two “30/98” Vauxhalls.

 

Results:

1st Vintage and 2nd Open.—L. Murray-Austin (1929 Lancia).

1st Open.—D. S Rayner (Ford V8).

Most Meritorious Performance.—R. J. B. Leedall (1923 Morris-Cowley).

 

Junior Race:

1st: B. G. Stobebridge (347-c.c. Matchless).

2nd: G. W, Beamish (348-c.c. B.S.A.).

3rd: B. W. Hall (348-c.c. B.S.A.).

Manufacturers’ Team Prize: B.S.A.