Vinot et Deguingand 2

Sir,.

I was more than a little interested to read your article “Fragments on Forgotten Makes” in the January issue of Motor Sport as I am the owner of the 1914 Vinot et Deguingand that took part in last year’s VCC Rally in loM. I have had this car since 1956, when I found it in complete and original condition, only in need of a repaint.

It is the 12/16 model (1,693-c.c.) and has a very attractive 4-seater tourer body built by the Olympia Carriage Co. of Hammersmith. Other features are the very good barrel-shaped gearbox and vertical gate-change to which you referred. The car itself is very well designed, utterly reliable, will cruise at between 35 and 40 miles per hour, and is an excellent hill-climber. It has tremendous character and I have done many thousands of miles both on rallies and long runs for my own pleasure.

The only serious trouble occurred in 1970, when the crankshaft fractured on a rally in the Lake District. It took twelve months to make a replacement, but since then the engine has been smoother and better than ever before. I enclose a photograph of the car competing in the VSCC Prescott meeting of 1960. when I was third in my class.

Orrell D. G. DIXON