A supercharging mystery

Sir,

In the March issue there was a letter from George Deane regarding the BRM V16 Grand Prix car. Could a reader explain the choice of’ centrifugal supercharger when common knowledge of such a supercharger showed it to be unsuitable for a GP car? Its niche is in constant speed engines used in conjunction with an aircraft with a variable pitch airscrew.

Furthermore knowing how unsuited this supercharger would be, why did so many manufacturers support the effort? It seems to me there is still an untold story about this car and the activities of those behind it. Did nationalism get in the way of objectivity so that criticism would be considered disloyalty? Just asking.

I am, yours, etc. Ronald E Passmore, Ontario, Canada