GP Itala remembered

One of the better things that has happened to me has been to receive a pictorial record of Sam Clutton’s association with the great 12-litre 1908 GP Itala, which he campaigned for 50 years in VSCC and other events before the Williamsons took it over. I say this because the magnificent cannot fail to evoke the deepest nostalgia in anyone who has ever cared for the sight and sound of big Edwardian motor ears. It’s not all Itala: the 10½-litre Delage also campaigned by Sam is there both it and the Italas original race and record-breaking performances, back to Arpajon and Dieppe, are depicted – plus many other exciting pre-1915 and vintage sportscars.

This fine collectors’ volume is mainly about Sam Clutton driving these cars with his usual verve, flying a DH Tiger Moth and a microlight, riding his Brough Superior and Scott motorcycles, and with his many well-known VSCC friends. If you want to remember those days you have to have this book. It costs £11.45 inc p&p, from Bridget Laycock, 37 Scarborough Road, Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire Y017 8AA.