Miniatures news, May 1960
Bristol University recently repeated its 24-Hour Grand Prix d’Endurance, first held in 1959, to collect money for the Save the Children Fund. The cars were pedal-propelled Mobos and Triangs, with a few one-off entries such as a Frys Babyfayre, a Dawson Mobo and a few Specials. There were ten team entries this year. College Green circuit was used, which has a lap-distance of 8th of a mile, with the pits situated on Council House Curve, and Victoria corner joined Park Street Straight with the uphill Cathedral Straight, while there were two more difficult corners, Library and Mauritania.
Ian Carmichael flagged competitors off to a Le Mans start and twenty-four hours later Horace Gould waved the chequered flag. Six “drivers” were permitted to each car or, in the case of all-girl teams, an unlimited number. The race was won by the Technicals (Mobo), who took the lead after 16 hours, lost it in the 19th hour but regained the lead, covering 496 laps or 93 miles! Second place went to the Scuderia Valkerie (Mobo), an all-girl team led by Sue Dean, which covered 486 laps (91.13 Miles) and set a new lap-record of 6.2 m.p.h. Third place went to the College of Technology (Mobo), with 480 laps covered. Next year we would like to report this great race more fully!
A reader has kindly sent the Editor a delightful Porsche Spyder miniature which, although a mere 1½-in. long, displays a great deal of detail and includes a driver. This is a German model—look out for them if you are in Germany this summer.—W.B.
PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting of the National Vehicle Trust will be held at the R.A.C., Pall Mall at 7 p.m., on May 10th. Due to Club rules ladies cannot be admitted. Revised Articles of the Trust can be obtained from 88, Rochester Row, S.W.1.
SILVERSTONE—MAY 14th
Entries are coming in fast for the International Trophy Meeting at Silverstone on May 14th. This annual feast of racing includes the 150-mile Formula 1 race for the Daily Express Trophy, a 75-mile Formula Junior race, two sports car races and the “touring” car race all to be run over 25 laps.
Star-studded fields are expected for all these races, the first of which commences at 10.15 a.m. Grandstand seats are selling fast and you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Postal bookings can be made to Trophy Office, B.R.D.C., Silverstone, nr. Towcester, Northants, or to personal callers only at the R.A.C. Travel Service, 66, Haymarket. London, S.W.1.
ALVIS DAY IN MAY
The Fifth National Alvis Day takes place at Crystal Palace on May 22nd from 10 a.m. Alvis owners and those interested in Alvis cars are invited to attend what has become the largest one-make gathering now held in this country.
Details from the Secretary of the meeting: Mr. T. F. Reynolds, 2, Cambridge Square, W.2.