In praise of Felton

Sir,
I have been buying your magazine since the early 50s and feel compelled to reply to the Brooklands Trophy piece by WJT (Motor Sport March 1988).

It is a disgraceful attitude for Motor Sport to take over Rodney Felton’s P3 Alfa. Felton deserves nothing but praise for his magnificent achievement in winning the trophy. He drives with such enthusiasm, and has given so much pleasure to so many people.

Reading WJT’s article makes me wonder whether I’m still buying the right magazine! Remember, it is all meant to be fun. Let’s get on with enjoying our motor sport and not be so petty minded!

Michael Y Johnson, Belmont, Belfast

What an opportunity!

Sir,
The debate between WB and Michael Hay about the Bentley languishing in the Donington collection is all very well but fails to address the problem of what to do with it in future. Clearly the Collection has an interesting engine and chassis, with pretty dull coachwork.

Surely here is an opportunity to create something unique and original? Perhaps the Collection could hold a competition for, say, RCA Automotive Design students to design new coachwork in a suitable but distinct style. Thus the usual response of “replica” bodywork is avoided and a remarkable vehicle created.

The historians can argue to their hearts’ content about something that is unlikely to be resolved one way or the other, but at least a real, running, aesthetically-pleasing car could be used and displayed.

Let us not let the facts get in the way of progress!

J Hurst, Stratford on Avon