The things they say. . . .

“The records established by Alfa Romeo under the scrutiny of the CSAI are set out separately and Alfa are wondering whether to apply to the Guinness Book of Records, because they believe that no other motor manufacturer has ever broken so many world speed and endurance records in one attempt.” — From a hand-out by Alfa Romeo (GB) Ltd., issued by their Product Manager, Mike Luetchford, relating to 18 records set up recently (subject to FIA confirmation) by four of their cars. While we congratulate Alfa Romeo on these new production-car-class records, seven of which were made by one of the cars, Mr. Luetchford, in his reference to making a claim to the “Guinness Book of Records”, seems to be very optimistic! What, for instance, of the 32 records established by Aston-Martin at Brooklands in 1922, the 296 records established by Citroën at Montlhéry in 1933, or, if he thinks the claim should include stock-car records, the 108 records made by one Austin A90 under Alan Hess’ jurisdiction at Indianapolis in 1949? — W.B.