Reports of Recent Events, October 1950

SHENSTONE & D.C.C. FIRST EVENING TRIAL (August 26th)

SPORTS CARS: J. H. Leigh (Frazer-Nash).
TRIALS CARS: L. Tracey (Dellow).
ORDINARY CARS: J. Tregenza (Bradford).

LAGONDA C.C. THAME RALLY (September 27th)

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
LAGONDAS:
1. F. Defty (4 1/2-litre L.G.45R.)
2. Major Armitage (2-litre), J. S. Speller (2-litre).
LIGHT CARS:
1. R. H. Marks (A.C.).
2. R. Russel (Talbot).
3. Mrs. M. Fisher (Lagonda).

TREASURE HUNT
LAGONDAS:
1. B. A. Henry (4 1/2-litre M.45R.).
2. F. Defty (4 1/2-litre LG.45.R).
3. J. J. Brooks (1950 L.B.S.), T. C. Saunders (3-litre).
LIGHT CARS
1. W. Styles (Stellite).
2. P. Fawcett (Calcott), J. Wrigley (Talbot).

S.U.N.B.A.C. SILVERSTONE MEETING (September 2nd)

A strong blustering cross wind was difficult for drivers and tiring for spectators. There were capacity-class scratch races, events for 500 c.c. racing cars, for the new 750 formula Austin Seven class, and an allcomers handicap. In the unlimited race R. C. Willis with his ultra-light B.M.W. Special showed a clear superiority over the O.B.M., and in the 1,500 c.c. class Nancy Binns had a walkover. Indeed, nearly all the races developed into processions, particularly the two “500” heats when nobody challenged anybody, and the drivers had no incentive to hurry along. The Austin Seven race was in marked contrast. Lush’s orange “T.T. Ulster” driven by Bulmer was about 10 m.p.h. down in speed, and far from having a comfortable win as in the previous formula race, Bulmer had to employ every ounce of his driving skill to beat Edge’s neat little special. Edge had far more speed on the main runway, and the two cars were about equal on Hanger straight. Bulmer was able to draw level each lap by Beckett’s and they would enter Stowe side by side, but on the end of the third lap Edge overdid the corner slightly so that Bulmer was able to nip across behind him and gain about 70 yards. Although Edge passed again before Copse, Bulmer’s extra cornering ability enabled him to repass and reach Stowe on the last lap just sufficiently ahead to cross the line first. Both Peatfield’s and Lincoln’s cars also possessed superior speed, but the latter suffered a blocked fuel system and the former caused a sharp shower of straw bales at Copse, and dropped back. As if the desperate duel for first place were not enough, Adamson and Witton were having a grim dogfight for last place, undoubtedly breaking all existing records for the number of repassings per lap. Hewitt took third place after a bad start, and by reason of his excellent brakes was able to remain a constant distance behind the leaders. Let nobody say that Austin Seven races are dull!

The Allcomers’ Handicap was run off in four heats, and as the handicappers had no more than the average amount of second sight, there were no closely-bunched finishes. But in the last heat Rawlings, in the Vanguard Special “Buttercup,” having been favourably rehandicapped, was going through the field in an obviously winning manner, when Willis appeared as from nowhere and just managed to get to the finishing line a few feet in front. This reversed last year’s episode in the same race when Rawlings performed the same manoeuvre to gain a second place. When the net speeds had been calculated it was found that W. L. Grose, with his Standard Eight-suspended “500,” had beaten his handicap by the largest margin, which was very satisfying, for this beautifully-made pioneer “500” has always been kept out of the money by the Coopers.

PLYMOUTH M.C. 5TH ANNUAL “PRESIDENTIAL TROPHY” RALLY (September 3rd)

The Presidential Trophy, presented by the late Mr. A. Turnbull, and cups presented by the leading motor firms of Plymouth, were competed for.

In spite of the appalling weather and the holiday season a good entry lined up for the start at Manor Garage, Aveton Gifford, proceeding thence to the first of a series tests in driving and reversing acceleration, braking and width judging calculated to prove the skill of drivers using standard production cars. The course of 12 miles ended at Bigbury and with improved weather conditions picnic tea was enjoyed by the river at the bottom of Stakes Hill.

PRESIDENTIAL TROPHY: E. Ellis (B.M.W.), 78 marks gained.
P.M.C. RUNNER-UP AND VAUXHALL CUP: G. H. Turnbull, 66 marks gained.
FORD CUP: A. L. Chard, 53 marks gained.
MUMFORD CUP: C. Deeble, 47 marks gained.

CHILTERN C.C. CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE (Sept. 3rd)

PRIX D’HONOUR: P. Barden (1950 Rolls-Royce). 
BROOKLANDS TROPHY: R. Way (1937 Rolls-Royce). 
CLASS AWARDS, Class 1: N. V. Reeves (1899 Benz); Class 2: S. J. Skinner (1910 Rolls-Royce); Class 3: J. M. B. Dove (1929 Sunbeam); Class 4: V. W. G. Cook (1938 Morris); Class 5: L. Gibbs (1936 Riley); Class 6: R. A. O. Blackwell (1948 Alvis).
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP: C. T. Anderson (1937 F.I.A.T.).

INTERNATIONAL 500-c.c. RACE, SAN SEBASTIAN (September 3rd)

1st: K. Carter (Cooper), 55 min. 53.6 sec.; 2nd: T. Frost (Cooper); 3rd: S. Coldham (Cooper). Fastest lap: Carter (Cooper), 46.8 sec.

THE CURRAGH RACES (Sept. 9th)

The Irish Motor Racing Club’s International Curragh races produced a close finish in the senior event, when Duncan Hamilton’s Maserati won by 3 seconds from local man J. Kelly’s Alfa. At first Powys-Lybbe, last year’s winner, led in his P3 2.9-litre Alfa-Romeo, lapping at 82.34 m.p.h. Kelly responded with a lap at 82.73 m.p.h., and when the Alfa-Romeo retired with plug trouble, he took the lead. Signalled to slow down, he seems to have been wrongly informed, for he allowed Duncan Hamilton to creep up and the latter caught and passed the Irishman on a corner during the last lap.

Last year’s winner J. J. Flynn (M.G.) again won the O’Boyle Trophy handicap. Kelly was in third place when a broken spring shackle caused the Alfa’s retirement.

LANCASHIRE A.C. DAVIS TROPHY TRIAL (Sept 2nd)

Sixty-four entries were divided into touring and sporting classes for this trial that started near Preston and finished near Gisburn. The weather was fine but recent rain rendered the hills “beyond reproach.” They included Alum Sear, which the “tourists” had to be excused, New Inn, Aead Wood, Clerk, Nick Quarry and Dean Farm.

M.G. AND RILEY ABINGDON RALLY

Results

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE.-1st: R. Tomkins (M.G.); 2nd: R. F. Beck (Riley); 3rd: S. J. Parry (M.G.).
GARAGE TEST.-1st: Mrs. J. C. Winby (M.G.); 2nd: D. F. Ryder (M.G.).
KERB TEST.-1st: W. W. Tilston (M.G.); 2nd: W. A. Scott Brown (M.G.).
THREADNEEDLE STREET TEST.-1st: M. Llewellyn (M.G.); 2nd: A. E. Williamson (Riley).
ROUND THE HOUSE TEST.-1st: D. F. Ryder (M.G.); 2nd: R. P. Dean (M.G.).
BEST M.G. AGGREGATE PERFORMANCE.-S. J. Parry.
BEST RILEY AGGREGATE PERFORMANCE.-R. F. Beck.

TENBY M.C. LYDSTEP SPEED HILL-CLIMB (Sept. 16th)

A record number of entries was received and racing cars up to 2 litres ran for the first time. Ken Wharton’s Cooper 2,000 broke the course record, setting it to 31.549 sec.

Results

RACING CARS UP TO 500 C.C.: 1st: E. J. Moor (Wasp-Norton) … 34.68 sec., 2nd: Ken Wharton (Keift) … 36.00 sec., 3rd: J. W. Cox (Cooper-Norton) … 36.71 sec.
RACING CARS, 501-1,100 c.c.: 1st: Ken Wharton (Cooper-J.A.P.) 31.549 sec.*, 2nd: Ray Merrick (Cooper-J.A.P.)… 34.64 sec. SPORTS CARS UP TO 1,100 C.C: 1st: B. B. Lindon (Morris Special) … 43.46 sec.*, 2nd: G. C. Johnson (Singer) … 45.31 sec., 3rd: O. H. J. Davies (Morris Minor) 47.64 sec. 
SPORTS CARS, 1,100-1,500 C.C.: 1st: Ken Wharton (Cooper sports)… 35.51 sec.*, 2nd: W. Lloyd Edwards (Ford special) … 38.95 sec., 3rd: Lt.-Col. Archdale (Frazer-Nash) 39.11 sec., 4th: Mrs. Joy Cooke (Cooper sports) 39.82 sec.
SPORTS CARS, 3,000 C.C. UN-S/C. AND 1,500 C.C. S.C.: 1st: G. D. Waldron (Dellow, s/c.) … 37.48 sec., 2nd: Ken Rawlings (Vanguard special) … 37.91 sec., 3rd: L. G. Evans (Dellow, s/c.) … 37.97 sec.
SPORTS CARS OVER 3,000 C.C: 1st: G. N. Mansell (Allard) … 36.71 sec.*, 2nd: A. L. Francis (H.R.G.-Mercury) 37.98 sec.

* New class record.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Fastest time of the day by a car of any type or capacity: Ken Wharton (Cooper-J.A.P.).
Fastest time by a racing car up to 500 c.c. (Evans and McDowell Perpetual Challenge Cup): E. J. Moor (Wasp-Norton).
Fastest time by a lady driver (Harold Styche Perpetual Challenge Cup: Mrs. Joy Cooke (Cooper sports).
Fastest time by a standard production model closed car (Alec Munt Perpetual Challenge Cup): Ken Wharton (Ford V8).
Fastest time by a sports car in any class or capacity (Arthur Bassett Perpetual Challenge Cup: Ken Wharton (Cooper sports).
The best constructed sports car or competition special, home made, owned, entered and driven by a competitor resident in Wales (Victor Morris Challenge Cup): W. Lloyd (Edwards-Ford Special).
An additional award for the best performance by a lady driver in start, stop and general handling of a car during the competition (Mr. Victor Morris Challenge Cup): Mrs. M. Evans (Dellow).

V.S.C.C. WELSH RALLY

Regulations and entry forms are now available for this event. It is open to members of the Club, driving Vintage or Edwardian cars.

The rallying point is the Radnor Arms, Presteign, Radnorshire, to which the cars will proceed on October 14th (Saturday) and marks will be allotted on the basis of mileage covered between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

On the Sunday there will be an Appearance Competition and Hill-Climbing Test for the Edwardian cars and a 35-mile Reliability Trial for the Vintage cars. Entries have closed.

SUNBEAM-REGISTER RALLY (Sept. 17th)

This event, held at the Hog’s Back Hotel, Surrey, attracted 40 Sunbeams made in Wolverhampton between 1912 and 1935. The rally included three Edwardians, five “14/40s,” two “20/60s,” three twin-cam 3-litres, nine “Sixteens,” and twelve “Twenty” or “Twenty-fives.” The 1914 T.T. car of C. R. Abbott (on this occasion piloted by Cecil Clutton) evoked great interest, and the 1914 16-h.p. ex-Kaiser War staff car of Carter much head-scratching. Mention should be made of J. Stevens, who brought his 1926 “20/60” tourer from Leeds; this car recently completed a trouble-free tour of the Dolomites. The event was organised by Mrs. W. Boddy and she is to be congratulated on a promising beginning to the active career of the Register.

Registrar: Mrs. W. Boddy, ” Carmel,” Wood Lane, Fleet, Hants.

LEICESTERSHIRE C.C. LONSDALE TROPHY TRIAL (Sept. 17th)

The main road trial for the Lonsdale Trophy attracted an entry of 23 cars, three of which contained lady drivers and navigators. The route, which was in the Lutterworth area, consisted mainly of second-class roads, and also included a short field road section and consequently a number of gates, and was well sprinkled with secret checks.

ASTON-MARTIN O.C. SURREY RALLY (Sept. 17th)

WINNER OF CONCOURS:
P. Gilbert (1 1/2-litre Aston Martin “Le Mans”).
TREASURE HUNT AND DRIVING TEST: 1st: P. Doyle (3 1/2-litre Hotchkiss).
2nd: Dudley Coram (1 1/2-litre Aston-Martin “International”).
3rd: J. I. Bremner (1 1/2-litre H.R.G.).

A.C. OWNERS’ CLUB (Sept. 17th)

CONCOURS:
1st: C. F. Widman (1937 four-seater drophead).
2nd: Z. T. Marczewski (1938 fixed-head).
3rd: S. C. W. Wilkinson (1937 four-seater drophead.
TREASURE HUNT
1st: R. Knight (Javelin), (Southern Jowett C.C.).
2nd: O. F. Conran (Renault), (Cemian M.C.).
3rd: T. J. Webster (1927 A.C.), (A.C.O.C.).

WEST ESSEX C.C. CHELMSFORD RALLY (Sept. 17th)

CHELMSFORD CUP.–I. B. Croker (Lagonda Rapier).
BEST PERFORMANCE BY W.E.C.C. MEMBER.–K. L. V. Baker (M.G.), (Essex Police Driving School).
BEST PERFORMANCE SALOON CAR.–A. D. C. Gordon (Jowett Javelin).
BEST PERFORMANCE OPEN CAR.–G.M. Boyes (Batten Special).
CLASS AWARDS:

“A”–CLOSED CARS UP TO 1,200 C.C.–M. W. Baker (Ford).
“B”–CLOSED CARS OVER 1,200 AND UP TO 2,000 C.C.–F. H. Heath (Rover).
“C”–CLONED CARS OVER 2,000 C.C.–H. W. Dalling (Riley), (Essex Police Driving School).
“D”–OPEN CARS UP TO 1,200 C.C.–J. W. Burgess (M.G.). 
“E”–OPEN CARS OVER 1,200 AND UP TO 2,000 C.C.–1st, H. J. Bone (M.G.); 2nd, A. C. Westwood (Morgan). (Where a minimum of 15 cars are entered, and under 25, two awards are presented.)
“F”–OPEN CARS OVER 2,000 C.C.–A. R. Borrister (Triumph).
The Chief Constable of Essex, Capt. F. R. V. Peel, C.B.E., M.C., R.A., and his wife and family were present at the driving tests.

NOTTINGHAM S.C.C. CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE (Sept. 16th)

CARS UP TO 1914:
1st: T. K. Shipside (1914 Morris).
1914-1930:
1st: Mr. Kenyon (1926 3-litre Bentley).
2nd: Mr. Trigger (1924 3-litre Bentley).
1930-1944:
Open Cars:
1st: Mr. Maclaglen (1936 M.G. Magnette).
2nd: A. G. Hunt (1937 Singer “Le Mans”.
Closed Cars:
1st: J. D. Radford (1939 Alvis “12/70”.
2nd: D. Marston (1937 2 1/2-litre M.G.).
1944-1950:
Closed Cars:
1st: W. E. Spowage (1949 Triumph Razor Edge).
2nd: Mr. Attenborough (1950 A.C.).
Open Cars:
1st: P. Marvin (1946 T-type M.G).
2nd: M. Dessan (1949 T-type M.G.).
Next event: Race Meeting, Gamston, October 7th.

V.C.C. SCARBOROUGH RALLY

RALLY––VETERAN CLASS.––Mr. C. B. North Cup:
R. D. Gregory (Darracq); 2nd: Major G. S. Taylor (Renault); 3rd: J. H. White (de Dion Bouton).
RALLY––EDWARDIAN CLASS.––Mrs. C. B. North Cup:
F. M. Wilcock (Talbot); 2nd: W. J. Oldham (Renault); 3rd: F. E. Dell (F.N.). 
OLDEST CAR TO RALLY.––Mr. H. J. Briggs’ Cup: A. Prince (Driver A. Tyler), (1899 Decauville).
OLDEST COMPETITOR TO RALLY.––Mr. F. Ward’s Cup: G. H. Waite (Clyde).
CONCOURS––VETERAN CLASS.––Mr. W. L. Thompson Cup: G. H. Eyre (Driver V. Medlam) (Norfolk); 2nd: A. Prince (Decauville); 3rd: S. Steele (de Dion Bouton).
CONCOURS––EDWARDIAN CLASS.––Mr. Steele Cup: W. Collingbourne (Daimler); 2nd: Mrs. C. B. North (Calthorpe Minor); 3rd: J. Ellis (Mors).
PARAGON MOTOR COMPANY, LTD., CUP (Open to North-East Section only, for the best all-rounder, taking into consideration age, Concours d’Elegance and run to Scarborough; inclusive of both classes who has not won an award).––S. S. Kay (Driver A. Crewe) (de Dion Tricycle).

Bristol M.C. & L.C.C. “Mendip G.P.” (Sept. 9th)

BEST PERFORMANCE AND WINNER (1,100-c.c. class).––J. Bunscombe (989-c.c. Morris).
RUNNER-UP AND WINNER (1,100-2,000-c.c. class).––P. Best (Austin A40 van).
UNLIMITED.––A. Spiers (DISS Delage).

750 Club Inter-Club Driving Tests (Sept. 10th)

INTER-CLUB CONTEST.––Hants and Berks M.C. (E. Brandon, J. Lowry, A. Morris).
INDIVIDUAL AGGREGATE TIMES.––1st: E. Brandon (1,250-c.c. Cooper M.G.), 187.4 sec.; 2nd: R. Yeats (1,172-c.c. Yeats Special), 206.7 sec.; 3rd: R. Snowden (1,352-c.c. Lancia Aprilia), 209.5 sec.; 4th: P. L. Pulver (1,352-c.c. Lancia Aprilia), 210.0 sec.; 5th: G. R. Boyes (3,622-c.c. Batten Special), 214.1 sec.; 6th: P. D. C. Brooks (1,172-c.c. E.R.P. Special), 214.5 sec.