Rumblings, April 1955

A New Cunningham

In line with the proposed reduction of engine displacement which may become effective in 1956 for International sports-car competitions, Briggs Cunningham announces his new 3-litre C-6R. This advanced design is a culmination of racing experience gained since 1951 and is expected to exceed previous models in acceleration, top speed, braking and road-holding. The chassis and suspension is an integrated unit designed and built by Cunningham with no compromise to mass-production economies. Particular attention has been given to ease of servicing and rapid exchange or repairs to major assemblies.

The famous Offenhauser racing engine, manufactured by Meyer & Drake, has been selected, and is undergoing rigid dynamometer testing, incorporating experiments in manifolding and carburation for the purpose of obtaining high power output from the ordinary highway gasoline to which sports-car racing is officially confined.

The prototype C-6R was entered for the 12-hour race at Sebring on March 13th. The decision as to whether or not this model in its present form will be raced in Europe next summer was to be determined shortly after the Sebring event. Many aspects of this design are highly experimental, and parts of the specification are necessarily tentative.

The London-Languedoc-Sete Rally.

Those sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy good food and wine-tasting with their competitive rallying should make a note that the London-Languedoc-Sete Rally is scheduled for July 8th/18th this year. The road route covers approximately 1,280 miles. A glance at the first page of the rally prospectus shows that a very satisfying programme has been planned, from the start in London to the finish, Sete on July 13th, the remaining days of the itinerary being taken up with such attractions as a military parade, visits to wine cellars, dancing in the streets, regularity and driving tests, dinner on the beach, and the election of “Miss Rallye 1955.”

Cash awards will be awarded as well as the Sketch Challenge Trophy and the Coupe des Vermouthiers Challenge Trophy, the G.P. Club Cup, Marche’ Award and many other trophies. Cars will be divided into three classes, up to 1,300 c.c., 1,300 c.c. to 2,250 c.c., and over 2,250 c.c. Entries will be limited to fifty and close on June 10th. Details are available from the Secretary, London-Languedoc-Sete Rally, 60, Ebury Street, London, S.W.1.

Tail-Pieces

The V.S.C.C. is setting aside £350 towards its birthday celebrations this year

The B.M.C.R.C. had a clever cover picture for the March issue of their journal Bemsee—Hillberry Corner on the T.T. circuit deep in snow.

Cliff Lewis, late Secretary of the B.M.C.R.C., is writing a book on the motor-cycle history of Brooklands Track. Meanwhile, W. Boddy’s three-volume history of the B.A.R.C. aspect of Brooklands, 1906-1940, continues to sell strongly.

A reader, satisfied owner of a Clyno which, he says, has given noble service in return for eighteen months’ abuse, encountered a small two-door coupe with bull-nose radiator bearing a Union Jack badge and licensed as a Hudlass. He points out that Doyle quotes Hudlass as going out of business before 1910 whereas this coupe appeared to be of about 1930 vintage. We believe it is the car built for his personal use by Mr. Hudlass, the R.A.C. scrutineer. Can the owner enlarge on this ?

John Stanford, co-author of “The Vintage Motor Car ” with Cecil Clutton, has taken unto himself a 30/98 Vauxhall, made in July, 1927, and believed to be one of the last of these cars to be built.

VW Beats Jaguar

In the Canadian Winter Rally, run over a route of about 1,600 miles in severe weather which embraced more than six feet of snow in places, so that out of 56 starters 21 retired and not a single competitor retained a clean sheet, a Volkswagen finished first, beating a Jaguar XK120. The rally attracted a representative entry of British and Continental cars. Another Volkswagen finished third.
Results, 1st : L. Stanley (VW), lost 5 marks. 2nd : H. Wilson (Jaguar XKI20). 3rd : G. Harris (VW).

America’s Antiques.

The Antique Automobile Club of America and the Veteran Motor Car Club of America have jointly issued a very comprehensive list of their members’ cars, the compilation and publication being by the A.A.C.A. The book is not confined to veteran, Edwardian and vintage cars, as it comes down to 1940 in some instances, so that it can be said to take in near-modern “classics.” Arranged alphabetically under makes, engine number, chassis number, number of cylinders, h.p., body style and the owner’s name are given for each, together with an intimation as to the condition, from “rough” to “fully restored,” of each vehicle. Something like 4,500 ears are listed, a most interesting study.

American readers can obtain copies for 2 dollars, from the A.A.C.A., P.O. Box 98, Hyattsville, Md., U.S.A. The book is issued free to club members and we hope that one day our V.C.C. and V.S.C.C. will publish similar lists—their present lists of members’ cars are not nearly so comprehensive.