From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Page from a motoring magazine featuring articles on racing history, club news, and reader correspondence on various automotive topics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0232 | |
| Date | 14th February 1941 | |
| 156 The Sport BY VIZOR Racing Libraries Pit Work on the Stage RECENTLY I have been reading, or re-reading, some of the best-known motor racing books, of which there is now quite a collection, of course. A correspondent mentioned the other day that he had twenty-three on the subject, there being one or two gaps he wants to fill. Several I hadn't read before, although they were first published some years ago, others came up fresh again, among them Barré Lyndon's "Circuit Dust." As many will remember, that book was written round the M.G. racing of 1933, the year when the supercharged 1,100 c.c. Magnette first appeared. It scored a success first time out in its class in the Italian 1,000 miles race, and later experienced the inevitable ups and downs of a new racing model in its first season, which were duly overcome as indicated by experience. Apart from class successes in various Continental events, including notably the Coppa Acerbo, in Whitney Straight's hands, when it cleaned up single-seater Maseratis, the Magnette gained a fine T.T. victory that same year, driven by the masterly Nuvolari. He broke the lap record frequently and gave one of his great displays of driving throughout. These events come back vividly as one re-reads accounts of them, especially when some of them happen to be races which one actually witnessed. Lyndon certainly makes excellent use of the material, and can render dramatic the description of a race seen from the viewpoint of inside information, even when it is read years after the event took place. "Hell for Leather" HE is also one of the few writers who has had a successful motor racing play staged in the West End, as those who saw "Hell for Leather" some years ago will recall. Though it did not run as his record-making thriller did, "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse," his racing play "got over" in a way that probably no similar subject has done before or since on the London stage. For one thing, of course, Lyndon knew his subject, and, therefore, was able to get the details of the production right, the pit work and the pit talk, and so forth. Having just re-read two of his books—the other was "Grand Prix"—and been reminded of his play, I came across, as one does, an unexpected sidelight on the play. In a past issue of the Seven-Fifty Club's Bulletin I caught sight of a reference to the cars, the "Knight Special" team, which "ran" in "Hell for Leather." A member of that club, H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Pratley—who, incidentally, has furnished interesting information for these pages on one or two occasions concerning Grand Prix Sunbeams, was with Almack's establishment at the time, which had the job of building the cars for the show. At this date it will not be detracting from their dramatic value to reveal that they had chassis of wood, old O.M. axles, and cylinder heads of unknown make, which were seen when the bonnet was lifted during a stage "pit stop." Pratley also mentions that it was interesting to observe the provision of a Morris bolt-on wheel as a spare in the pits, whereas the cars had Rudge knock-off wheels! However, as was generally agreed at the time, the "props" and effects were very true to life. Club Survivals "For Courage, Leadership and Self-sacrifice" A Live Club EARLIER the Seven-Fifty Club was referred to, and I am very glad to record that it is carrying on, as immediate evidence of which fact there is in front of me the January issue of the club Bulletin. In fact, the hon. secretary, P. W. Hunter, makes the claim that it is running almost normally, apart, of course, from the absence of trials. All of which is very good to hear, especially remembering that it had little time after its original foundation, in April, 1939, to become firmly established before the war happened, slowing any active competitions right down at once and later making them impossible, besides, at a still later stage, rendering difficult or out of the question certain attempts by members to gather for regular informal meetings. However, there is plenty of support and unbounded enthusiasm, almost needless to say, and in spite of "enemy action" some time ago against the secretary's premises, and a need for some members, as elsewhere, to act on the practical thought that a club cannot keep going usefully unless the subscriptions come in, it is definitely alive. There is to be a club gathering on Saturday, March 1st, at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Coulsdon, at 3.30 p.m., and another is scheduled for April 6th at the Osterley Hotel, Great West Road. Public transport to these venues is readily available, it is emphasised, for those not otherwise provided at the moment! The secretary's address is 39, Warland Road, Plumstead, S.E.18. George Medal for Trials Driver IN the January 10th issue I mentioned a chance meeting with Sydney Light, and the fact that he had been torpedoed in the Atlantic and spent ten days subsequently in an open boat. Now I see that "Sydney H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Light, able seaman," has been awarded the George Medal. The official description is to the effect that his ship was torpedoed at night and that he took charge of one of the boats; "after ten days of privation, weariness and danger they sighted a British ship. His courage, leadership, self-sacrifice, and stout heart saved not only his own crew but the sixteen men whose boat he had towed." This is quite a bit different from Light's own modest description! Apart from M.C.C. events and rallies in this country, in which he used to be a frequent competitor with S.S. and A.C., he was in the S.S. team in the 1934 Alpine Trial, and also ran in the Monte Carlo. Sydney Light, who has been awarded the George Medal, seen with an A.C. with which he drove in a Monte Carlo Rally. February 14th, 1941 The Autocar 157 CORRESPONDENCE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF OUR CORRESPONDENTS, WITH WHICH "THE AUTOCAR" DOES NOT NECESSARILY AGREE. LETTERS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE EDITOR, "THE AUTOCAR," DORSET HOUSE, STAMFORD STREET, LONDON, S.E.1 "AS OLD AS THE INDUSTRY" Pioneer Firms That Are Still in Existence [49977.]—I think that the names Humber, Lanchester and Sunbeam should be added to "The Scribe's" list (January 24th) of motor manufacturing firms still in existence which are "as old as the industry." In fact, I think I am correct in saying that Lanchester had a car on the road early in 1896, before the first Daimler was on the road, though, of course, Daimler's got into production first. Lanchester had a stand at the Motor Show from April 14th to 21st, 1900, at the Agricultural Hall. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the only names on the exhibitors' list of this show that are still with us are Daimler, Lanchester, Wolseley, Dennis and Thornycroft. The last two, of course, make only commercial vehicles now. Puttenham, Surrey. F.{Mr Friese} W. HUTTON-STOTT, JUN. HOW MUCH SAVING ? Petrol Consumption Results With and Without Coasting [49978.]—In connection with letter [49925], you ask for owners' data of petrol consumption improvements obtained by coasting. Here is something on these lines, the same car in all tests. The carburettor was set to suit, also ignition. Back axle ratio | Level, long runs | Town runs | Hilly country no coasting | Hilly country, coasting --- | --- | --- | --- | --- 5 to 1 ... | m.p.g. 24 | m.p.g. 17 | m.p.g. 18 | m.p.g. 20 4.66 to 1 ... | 26 | 18 | 20 | 22 4.12 to 1 ... | 28 | 22 | 22 | 24 I was not using good petrol. The figures would be higher on other fuel. The tests were made over the same hilly route (North Wales) at different times in approximately the same weather conditions. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} C. HEYWOOD. Liverpool, 12. [Records of other readers' results from the practice of this much-advocated and discussed method of petrol economising would be interesting.—ED.{J. L. Edwards}] AMERICAN VIEWS ON EUROPEAN CARS Very High Prices Asked for Some Makes [49979.]—I was recently looking for a new European automobile for myself and had the opportunity of driving a number of interesting cars. The number of such cars in New York is now quite considerable, many having been brought over by refugees. A Mercedes with French plates parked near my apartment, there was a Peugeot for sale in a Broadway showroom, and our Sunday Times lists a late Bentley. I drove one of the streamlined racing Fiats (1,100 c.c.) and was impressed by its handling. It is practically new and is for sale at $1,250. This is the only one in America and might have been mine except that the lady who rides on my right didn't like it. Also I had my first turn at the wheel of an Aprilia just over from France, and am sorry to say that it didn't come up to expectations, being very noisy and not having the performance I'd expected. An extremely interesting machine which was sold just before I arrived was an Auto. This was an open two-seater of very nice lines, and almost new. It was powered with a four-cylinder two-stroke of 50 b.h.p., driving through the front wheels. I would have liked to acquire this job, as I have been a two-stroke enthusiast ever since owning a D.K.W. several years ago. There are a number of S.S. and Lagondas for sale, but at prices that are fantastic. One would do much better off to advertise in The Autocar and buy direct from England, bearing the insurance, shipping and other charges oneself and still saving a third or more. As a result of all this shopping for motors I decided to give my 1936 Ford a complete overhaul and keep it. I'm hoping to be financially able to acquire some sort of machine suitable for competition in A.R.C.A. events this year. A V12 Allard or an Atalanta would seem a good bet, as vital parts would be available in U.S. With American newspapers full of headlines about British shipping losses I thought you might be interested to learn that every copy of The Autocar has arrived—only slightly delayed, and while one issue did seem to be lost it finally turned up after the next two issues had arrived. And it wasn't damp, either. There used to be a couple of German motoring publications for sale here in New York, but I haven't noticed them for the past several months. I wonder why? New York City. ROGER BARLOW. [Mr. Barlow is an American contributor to The Autocar, especially on the subject of A.R.C.A. racing.—ED.{J. L. Edwards}] A Hertfordshire by-way in winter time. Not all London area motorists appreciate that this adjoining county is as attractive scenically as it is indeed in parts. | ||