Reminicences
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Sir,
I recently came across the plates of the enclosed prints which I had done on the off-chance that they may be of interest to you.
I give such particulars as I recollect;- 1914 7-hp Perry. Vertical sv water-cooled twin. Three-speed and reverse gearbox, quadrant change (rh) : reverse, N, 1, 2, 3 ; Open prop-shaft.
Differential back axle. Internal expanding brakes. Rear fuel tank. Pressure feed by hand-pump and some sort of automatic exhaust arrangement, etc, pipe to which is shown on top of the exhaust manifold in the “engine room” print.
Oil side and rear lamps only supplied (not shown in photograph). The pressure gauge was the only instrument.
The Bowden MC lever on the steering wheel was an addition for operating a hand throttle.
I first drove this car at the tender age of 12 years and later was granted a licence at 16 years by the Leeds City Police after passing a driving test consisting of driving a member of the constabulary round the city for about half an hour. I have sometimes wondered whether this can have been the first car used for the first driving test in this country. The year and month : 1919, January.
I also wonder whether any samples of’ this marque have survived. I am under the impression that a later four-cylinder model was the direct ancestor of the Bean but this may not be correct. [Correct ! Ed]
I am, Yours, etc,
GC Roper. Pannal.