The VSCC at Madresfield

The VSCC is very much a traditional organisation, so on September 4 its driving-tests took place as in former years, on one of the very long drives of Madresfield Court, itself a notably historic place. It is difficult to report on such tests, without criticising those who fail to stop at specified lines, crash their gears, stall their engines, and so on. So I will refrain, although I may be at it again when winter DTs happen and there is more page space, with F1 temporarily at rest, if such is possible. Instead, I will concentrate now on the entries, totalling 76, divided into four classes, for standard sports cars, standard touring, saloon and light cars, modified special and hybrid cars, and Edwarians — don’t scutineers work hard? Bonus points were awarded for rear brakes, length of wheelbase, saloon bodies, and each year older than 1919.

In this enjoyable frolic by the VSCC’s Midlands section David Marsh was fast in his Brescia Bugatti, Stote ran a longwheelbase FWD Alvis, Dickie a brisk Morris Minor, and the three GNs were all early i o e two-seaters. The Lemons were out in force, with 1913 30/98, 1934 30/98 and two A7s, mum getting the baby, while Miss L had the vintage Vauxhall. Hooke produced again his neat lhd 1926 Model-T Ford tourer, T Brewster that rare Deemster, and Rosoman shared his 1905 type-Z De Dion Bouton with Neil Murray, a tendency to boil, which also afflicted Luscott-Evans’ Trojan, of no concern to either car. Roger Collings had the lusty Brixia Zust at full chat, after it had had its drinks of water, and Mike Walker amused the onlookers with his paddling-act when his 494 cc Bramble cyclecar needed human assistance. Mike Bullett (GN) was wearing shorts but the weather turned sour on him.

There were bicycle races and an enormous classic-car concours-something or other packed Madresfield with spectators’ cars as never before. Results next month. W.B.