ITEMS OF INTEREST

ITEMS OF INTEREST

THAT MERCEDES-BENZ SUSPENSION

After writing the Afterthoughts about Donington we were able to glean some further information about the rear suspension of the G.P. Mercedes-Benz, on what we believe to be good authority. Apparently a light dummy-axle runs between the rear wheels, being bolted at each end to the brake back-plates and pivoting in the centre from a member protruding from the final-drive casing, which is carried on the frame. The driving half-shafts are universally jointed and the torsion bars run forward on each side. Thus the suspension is not independent, though some additional free movement possibly occurs as universally-jointed shafts take the drive. The layout combines the rigidity and freedom from roll of a conventional axle, without the weight of axle tubes and driving shaft bearings. A similar layout is used on the production model 5-litre Horeb.

INVICTA C.C. “

That bright publication ” The Gauntlet” continues to come forth at frequent intervals, the October issue containing a long article by J. Reed on his lighting modifications. This is interesting reading and a valuable survey, but how does he find time to dim with the resistance while negotiating hump-back bridges—we usually come upon them very unexpectedly and need both hands for the

tiller. L. Wills has had his 4i-litre’s frame braced on the Reed-system.

The Club now has nearly fifty members, practically all Invicta owners—a very fine effort. They held a map reading contest and firework party on November 6th and are planning a winter rally in Wales for a January weekend. Hon. Sec. : D. Monro, ” Windbrow,” Wilmington Road, N.2.

A TRIALS TEAM

Messrs. W. C. N. Norton, Derek Loader and Howard Copenhagen will run as a team in future trials, driving 1933 Ford V8 cabriolets fitted with 1937 engines. The cars will be yellow-hued and maintained by J. Eason-Gibson.

BROOKLANDS IN 1938

We now learn, after ” Rumblings” closed for Press, that the B.A.R.C. will not hold the Campbell Trophy Race next year. The only long-distance events will be those held by other clubs, and will probably comprise the J.C.C. International Trophy Race and the B.R.D.C. “300.” The Light Car Club has plans in the wind for a Six-Hour High Speed Trial for sportscars. The B.A.R.C. will hold short races on its several circuits, of which those on the Campbell Trophy course should be very popular indeed. What particularly pleases us is that they have no intention of neglecting outer-circuit racing, so those who are thinking of developing interesting chassis for sheer speed

work can go right ahead. The J.C.C. and M.C.C. :‘lembers’ Days will undoubtedly be held as before and the B.M.C.R.C. will be especially active.

E.R.A. CLUB

Another visit to the E.R.A. works at Bourne was arranged for November 7th, and the Annual Downstage Dinner will be eaten at the Victoria Grill on December 3rd. S. C. H. Davis has consented to take the chair and a film show will be given, including a film composed entirely of E.R.A. activities, not omitting ” shots ” of Club outings. This club is doing valuable work in fostering interest in racing and furthering a British racing policy.

Hon. Sec. : S. H. Green, 591, London Rd., Thornton Heath.