Letters from Readers, June 1947

Sir,
With reference to your mention of a rating Riley “Redwing”; this was Vic Wallsgrave’s competition car and was built by him largely from standard parts, with the exception of the chassis frame, which was about 1 ft. shorter than standard and liberally drilled, the con.-rods, which were also drilled, and special pistons. It was originally registered under a Coventry number which added up to 13, but as the crankshaft broke in its first event, a hill-climb in Lancashire, it was re-registered as RW 104. The maximum speed was 94 m.p.h., and the car won many awards. Other wellknown “Redwings” were those raced by Victor Gillow and A. F. Ashby.
I am, Yours etc.,
H.K Hardy
Northants.
[Gillow’s car lapped Brooklands at the very respectable speed of 94.86 m.p.h. in 1930, and Ashby’s s.v. car at 87.84 m.p.h. in 1928. — Ed]

Sir,
I was very interested to read your comments in regard to your method of testing cars and reporting on their true speed. I have felt for a very long time that a lot of the published speeds are more than a little optimistic as compared with those that one would actually attain under ordinary driving conditions.

I hope the criticism that has been made will not induce you to change your method of test.
I am, Yours, etc.,
C. H. Stephenson
Stratford-on-Avon.

Sir,
With reference to your paragraph in this month’s issue of Motor Sport stating that the blue Maclure Riley has been purchased by Mrs. Darbyshire, we would like to point out that this is not accurate.

Actually we have purchased this car from Reg. Parnell, and it will be driven for us in certain events by Mrs. Darbyshire.

We have also purchased the Harrison 2-litre Riley, the Dixon (Fairfield) 1,100 c.c. Riley, and the “White” Riley, which is now for sale.
I am, Yours, etc.,
Stanley B. Reece,
Managing Director,
J. Blake & C. Ltd.
Liverpool