www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com AUTUMN 2019 POSITIVELY ELECTRIFYING PHOTON – THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE WITH A CLASSIC TWIST

HALF-LITRE HINDSIGHT A NOSTALGIC REMINDER OF THE ORIGINAL FORMULA 3 RACERS

VAUXHALL’SSTILL ROARING AFTER 116GRIFFIN YEARS Classic Character 3 Vauxhall’s Griffin – 4-7 Still Roaring After 116 Years Missing Moniker 8 BMH News 9 Positively Electrifying – 10-13 Above: a rare Peel Viking Sport GT, only two examples of which were built by EMC’s Photon Peel Engineering before the rights were sold to Bill Last of Viking Performance Classic Motorsport 14-15 Half-Litre Hindsight 16-19

Car manufacture has long since become the ‘30s, and Cooper itself had largely

2 a global business and we’ve learnt to dominated the motorcycle-engined F3 reproduction Motoring Classics cherish what marques are produced formula of the ‘40s/’50s by placing the in whole or any part of any text, on our shores, as opposed to which engine behind the driver. We decided to photograph or illustration without of their companies are British-owned. recall these tiny cigar-shaped projectiles written permission of the publisher Small wonder when you consider that that arguably spawned the format of is strictly prohibited. The publish- the Rolls-Royce, and brands virtually all of today’s monoposto racing er makes every effort to ensure are now all in German hands, Jaguar formulae, and unearthed the talents the magazine’s contents are correct and Land belong to the Indians, of such legends as Stirling Moss and Lotus and MG to the Chinese, Morgan to Graham Hill. but can accept no responsibility the Italians, and Vauxhall to the French. for any effects from errors There remains much to say about This edition’s Classic Character is the or omissions. them all, however and, as the oldest Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce, who set multiple surviving of all the makes founded in the records in both cars and powerboats NB Motoring Classics is the printed UK, we decided to put Vauxhall and its before not only embarking on a round- and online publication of British Motor splendid Heritage Collection under the the-world flight only weeks after going Heritage and its retail trading arm. microscope for this issue. solo for the first time, but surviving to tell the tale. Our Missing Moniker on Publisher: Royal Enfield is another once proud British brand that manufactured this occasion is the diminutive Peel, British Motor Heritage Limited, motorcycles and (very briefly) cars recognised by the 2010 Guinness Book Range Road, Cotswold Business and is nowadays booming under Indian of Records as the smallest production Park, Witney OX29 OYB, UK control. Its most famous product was car ever made. Add the latest news Tel: +44 (0)1993 707200 the Bullet, the current Chennai-made about British Motor Heritage itself, plus Email: [email protected] versions of which remain remarkably the exploits of its fleet of classic racing similar to those produced in Redditch 60 cars, and there’s hopefully something of Editorial: years ago. So, when offered the chance to test an exciting prototype electric interest for you all. Gordon Bruce Associates motorbike, we couldn’t resist pairing it Email: [email protected] with a modern petrol-powered Bullet, the Web: www.gordonbruce.com model on which it’s based. The Cooper Car Company’s T43 of Design and production: 1957 was the first F1 car to have a Lead Designer: Emma Green mid-mounted engine. However, the idea Flipside Group was far from new, as Auto Union had Gordon Bruce www.flipsidegroup.com produced such Grand Prix cars back in Editor

Follow us on: …….by the way, @MotoringClassic For those that didn’t make it to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, I couldn’t resist including Motoring Classics this photo of the Case IH Magnum autonomous tractor, which can operate day and night without human supervision. Its size can be judged by comparison with the man sitting inside its rear wheel. Scary or what?! this splendid 1904 6hp Vauxhall is a favourite amongst the company’s Heritage is a favourite amongst the company’s Cover Photo: this splendid 1904 6hp Vauxhall P4-7 feature, contained in our related Collection of c.75 vehicles, details many which are www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Classic Character THE HON. MRS VICTOR BRUCE (1895-1990) Record-breaking, racing and rally driver, powerboat racer, pioneering aviatrix and successful business woman, the diminutive Mrs Bruce (née Mildred Mary Petre) was a female way ahead of her time.

At the tender age of 15, Mildred was and soon became involved in racing, single-handed world tour after only 40 left in charge of her elder brother’s rallying and record-breaking herself. hours flying experience, during which much-prized Matchless motorcycle For example, she finished 6th overall she was assaulted by armed brigands in combination, with orders ‘to keep it and winner of the Coupes des Dames the Gulf of Oman (the leader of whom 3 well polished’. Exercising it came more in the 1927 Monte, having driven 1,700 bizarrely insisted on donning her evening naturally, however, and, having roared miles in 72 hours without a wink of frock), crash-landed twice, and became it round the family tennis court with her sleep. The following year, the Bruces the first woman to fly solo across the pet Collie ‘Laddie’ in the sidecar, she was travelled from England through Europe Yellow Sea and from the UK to Japan. soon witnessed (sans silencer) hitting and Scandinavia, ultimately planting a She was later instrumental in the UK’s speeds of upto 60mph on the nearby Union Jack 250 miles above the Arctic first air-to-air refuelling contracts and roads of Hounslow, for which she was Circle – far further north than anybody played a key role in pre-war commercial duly summoned, fined six shillings, and had previously driven, and a record aviation. At the age of 78 she touched banned from the public highways. that remained unbroken until recently. 110mph round Thruxton in a Ford Capri Together they set 17 endurance records and at 81 performed a loop in a De The rest of her life was to be equally at Montlhéry in an AC, while she later Havilland Chipmunk. Her myriad death- unconventional, and by the age of 24 averaged 89mph round the same circuit defying exploits are enticingly chronicled she’d set up home with her mother’s for 24 hours in a supercharged 4½ litre in ‘A Passion For Speed’ by Paul Smiddy. married landlord, 21 years her senior, Bentley, capturing the record for single- by whom she produced a son. This handed driving. Above: Mildred did much for the AC brand. would have clipped the wings of lesser Below: she also set an endurance record at women, but not Mildred, who in 1926 In 1929 Mildred set powerboat records Montlhéry in this works 4½ Litre Bentley, and met and married the Honourable Victor for both crossing The Channel and the a number of others in ‘Bluebird’, the Blackburn Austin Bruce, a works AC driver who’d distance travelled in 24 hours. She Bluebird IV she first saw while shopping for a recently won the Monte Carlo Rally, then headed skywards, embarking on a dress in Burlington Gardens, London

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com VAUXHALL GRIFFINSTILL ROARING AFTER 116 YEARS They say the world only remembers winners, and as Britain’s second-largest-selling car marque for over two decades, Vauxhall’s ongoing success has certainly been somewhat overshadowed by Ford’s long-term dominance of the market. But, unlike Ford, it is a British-born brand and, unlike Ford, is still manufacturing vehicles in England. We decided to reflect on the Griffin’s rich history and its splendid 75-strong Heritage Collection, which comprises vehicles from 1903 to the present day, and is open to the public once a year. Let’s cut to the chase, Vauxhall is production dating as far back as 1857. lion’s body, reflects the coat of arms of Britain’s longest surviving car marque, The derivation of both the company’s one Fulk Le Breant, a Gascon mercenary pipping Rolls-Royce to the manufacturing logo and name are interesting. The who was granted the manor of Luton by start line by a year and Morgan by seven, Griffin, a mythical creature comprising King John in the 13th century. His wife with roots in marine engine and pump the head and wings of an eagle atop of a had a splendid Thames-side residence in 4

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above and below, left and right: this range of images taken at this year’s Heritage Collection open day gives an indication of the broad range of vehicles and related automobilia that have been amassed by Vauxhall over the years

Lambeth that, following their marriage, entire resource was dedicated to the war ‘70s, and subsequent Nova, Astra and became known as Fulk’s Hall – a name office, for whom D-Type models were Corsa – all excellent cars and major that was progressively corrupted to produced as staff cars, in one of which sellers in a competitive market. And who Vauxhall, which ultimately became an King George V visited the battlefields can forget the thundering or 5 area of London in its own right. It was of Vimy Ridge in 1917, while another the VXR8, not to mention the company’s here that the first Vauxhall car was made carried General Allenby on his victor’s many years of success on race circuits in 1903 by the appropriately-named entry into Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the and rally stages alike. All this and more Vauxhall Iron Works. Ironically, when the relative austerity of the post-war era besides is celebrated by the Luton-based company outgrew those initial premises largely decimated the market in which Heritage Collection of some 75 cars. two years later, it was to Fulk’s manor Vauxhall had thrived, and its ultimate One day, they may be housed in their own of Luton that it moved, and where its inability to make a profit saw it subsumed museum, but for now they are lovingly headquarters remain to this day. into America’s (GM) shoe-horned into compact premises, empire during 1925. As US influence where they are fettled and maintained The name was changed to Vauxhall took hold, the range was tilted more and by a pair of full-time engineers, and Motors in 1907, by which time a more towards the mass market, where it operated as a classic press fleet. An young draughtsman called Laurence has remained ever since. impressive 120 loans per annum are Pomeroy was making his presence achieved, by which we are indirectly felt, his sporting designs, such as the The ensuing years have witnessed many reminded of Vauxhall’s major contribution distinctive C-Type (aka Prince Henry), memorable products, from the heavily to the UK motor industry and its workers. bringing success in the all-important car US-styled Victors and Crestas of the late However, once every summer, the doors trials of the era. During WWI, Vauxhall’s ‘50s, to the very successful Viva of the

Continued overleaf>

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above, clockwise from the top left: 1903 5hp; 1905 7-9hp; 1904 6hp; 1926 OE-Type 30/98; 1917 D-Type army staff car; 1910 C-Type ‘Prince Henry’. Below, L to R: 1929 R-Type 20/60 Beford saloon; 1937 H-Type 10hp; 1961 F-Type Victor

to the building are thrown open for the the first Luton-built Vauxhall. Originally 1929 R-TYPE 20/60 BEDFORD SALOON benefit of the loyal marque clubs and sold for the princely sum of £250, it has The 20/60 was the first model to general public. So, if you are a fan of the been owned by the company for over emanate from General Motors’ acquisition 6 Griffin, keep an eye open for the date of 40 years. of the company and no less than nine next year’s event. In the meantime, by body options were available direct from 1910 C-TYPE ‘PRINCE HENRY’ way of a teaser, here are details of a few the factory. Some 4,228 R-Types were The model was named after Prince of the star exhibits: produced between 1928 and 1930. Henry of Prussia, who sponsored some 1903 5HP of the early reliability trials successfully 1937 H-TYPE 10HP This is the oldest four-seater Vauxhall contested by C-Type Vauxhalls. The This was the first British model to be in existence and the 45th built by the Collection’s car is the earliest known built with an integral body/chassis, Vauxhall Iron works. Originally owned by example, which was first registered in over 10,000 examples of which were a Scottish shipbuilder, it was acquired sold within the first five months. This by The Collection in 1995 and lovingly County Sligo, Ireland and would have set the owner back some £485. one was restored to original condition restored to as-new condition. It can by Vauxhall, including being resprayed be coaxed to a heady 20mph and an 1917 D-TYPE ARMY STAFF CAR in polychromatic cellulose paint – the equivalent version clocked a frugal equivalent of today’s metallic finishes (NB 38mpg on a London to Glasgow trial. Developed from the ‘Prince Henry’ Vauxhall, nearly 2,000 of these 4-litre this car is currently on loan to the British 1904 6HP 25hp staff cars were created for wartime Motor Museum, Gaydon). One of about 70 cars built by the Vauxhall service and operated in many countries, Iron Works in 1904, the splendid-looking including such Mediterranean outposts 1961 F-TYPE VICTOR ‘JNM 400’ has been in Vauxhall’s care for as Egypt and Salonika. This distinctive-looking saloon was a over 30 years, and a regular competitor major success for the company from on the London to Brighton Run for 70. 1926 OE-TYPE 30/98 1957 to 1961, during which no less than It boasts a top speed of 23mph and The 30/98 is widely recognised as one of 390,745 were built, causing it to become average fuel consumption of around the great models of the vintage era, and Britain’s premier car export. 37mpg. some 170 of the 600 built still survive today. The OE model was the first car in 1968 BEDFORD CA 1905 7-9HP the UK to have a catalogued top speed of Nowadays, the Transit name is almost to Finished in a striking shade of yellow, 100mph (when equipped with a suitable vans what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners, ‘MV 9942’ has the distinction of being axle ratio and bodywork) but from 1952 to the early ‘60s, the

www.motoringclassics.co.ukwww.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.comwww.bmh-ltd.com Above, clockwise from the top left: Examples of the once ubiquitous Bedford CA - minibus and van; 1975 Bedford CF; 1979 Chevette; 1975 Firenza HP Droop Snoot; 1970 SRV Concept. Below, L to R: 1993 Lotus Carlton; 2004 VXR220 and Ampera

Bedford CA was the light commercial 1975 FIRENZA HP DROOP SNOOT sprinting to 60mph in 5.2 seconds and to vehicle of choice, over 250,000 of which Now collectors’ items, only 204 versions a top speed of 177mph. The Collection’s were produced. It was offered as a panel of the coupe and 197 of the estate were example is an ex-press fleet one - No.820 van or chassis cowl – the former’s sliding manufactured between 1973 and 1975. of 950 built. 7 doors were popular with delivery drivers, Their Slant Four engine was equipped while the latter allowed coachbuilders 2004 VXR220 with a fast road camshaft and twin This VXR220 was the very first car to the creation of anything from milk floats Stromberg carburettors, the resulting wear the company’s sporting VXR badge. to mobile shops. The CA also served as 131bhp output of which endowed the Based on the Lotus-built VX220, the the basis for the first Dormobile mobile model with a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds more potent 65-strong, limited-edition home. and top speed of 120mph-plus. VXR was powered by a 220bhp version 1970 SRV CONCEPT 1979 CHEVETTE HS of the two-seater’s turbocharged engine. Conceived for the 1970 Earls Court The HS was the production car that Motorshow, the sleek four-door SRV spawned the HSR, with which Vauxhall 2011 AMPERA boasts a mid-mounted mock-up of the valiantly challenged Ford’s dominance of The mould-breaking Ampera was the 2.3-litre Slant Four engine, plus large ‘70s rallying. Reluctant to create a works first extended range electric vehicle to supercharger. Other salient features competition department, the company hit the UK roads, and offered 350 miles include instrumentation that slides out funded its motorsport activities through a between charges. It could also reach at the opening of the driver’s door, a dealer-based programme, appropriately 0-60mph in nine seconds and a top nose-mounted aerofoil, and hinged spats dubbed Dealer Team Vauxhall. speed of 100mph. secreting massive 15x15 inch rear wheels. 1993 LOTUS CARLTON So what of the future for this venerable The Vauxhall Lotus was based on the firm? Well, as most readers will be aware, 1975 BEDFORD CF Carlton GSi 24V model. Each example it was sold to the PSA group in 2017, The replacement for the much-loved was finished in the same shade of green so is now a sibling of and 17-year-old CA, the CF was designed and, as reworked by Lotus, gained a rear Citroën. So far, the signs are relatively to go toe-to toe with Ford’s ubiquitous spoiler, bonnet air intakes, and bodykit positive and, if its new French guardians Transit, which it did from 1969 to with considerably wider wheel arches, can keep tailoring Vauxhall to meet the 1987. It has the distinction of being the while the 377bhp engine boasted a pair ever-changing demands of today’s car last model to be solely engineered by of Garrett T25 turbochargers. The result market, it will hopefully be with us for Vauxhall. was a luxury, four-door saloon capable of many more years to come.

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 8 10 Once Company Peel Engineering MISSING MONIKER of side-by-side seats or a single chair and of side-by-sideseatsorasinglechairand Motorshow, itwasoffered witheitherapair Trident. Launchedatthe1964EarlsCourt for amate,Peelthenmanufactured the For driverswhoneededoccasionalroom Sotheby’s auctionin2016. an astonishing £120,000atan RM that wouldhavecost£199newfetched or may not, explain why an example whichmay,thought tohavesurvived, were made,only20-oddofwhichare Around 50ofthese miniature motors while instrumentationwasnon-existent. ratherthancartyres, shod withkart diminutive 5inchdiameterwheelswere stroke mopedengineof4.2bhp.The mid-mounted 49ccZweiradUniontwo- one wiper. Powerwasprovided bya It featured onedoor, oneheadlightand ofthechromecourtesy handleprovided. simply leaptoutandliftedthebackround you wishedtoturninatightspace, wide. There wasnoreverse gear-when a mere 52.8incheslongand39 Isle ofManfrom 1962to1964,itwas built atPeel(hencethename)on made. PennedbyCyrilCannelland being thesmallestproduction carever wheeled PeelP50hasthedistinctionof more equalthanothers’,andthethree- ‘all microcars are equal, but some are To grossly misquoteGeorge Orwell, a feature inyourlounge. Trident, whichyoucanthen drive orhaveas sell youaveryaccuratereplica oftheP50or is nomore, butanother, P50cars.com,can James CaanonDragon’s Den.Thatcompany with theaidofan£80,000investmentby FaizalKhan, andbusinesspartner that wasestablishedbyenthusiastGary unconnected Peel Engineering enterprise, were built in the last decade by a new, Trident, though, assome updated versions That was not the end of the Peel 50 or as acarmanufacturingCrown dependency. bringing toahalttheIsleofMan’s reign short TVR-based Clipper. Peelthenclosed itsdoors, morphed intoTrident Cars,themakerof whichultimately Performance, Last ofViking completed before therightswere soldtoBill mechanicals. However, onlytwowere carbasedonMini four-wheeled sports GT (see P2), a 2+2 Sport was the Viking fibreglass boatsandmotorcycle fairings, Company, thathadinitiallymanufactured The last hurrah of theoriginalPeelEngineering c.28mph. Peel 50, resulting in a similartopspeedof Trident featured thesameengineas thanks tothecar’s clearbubbletop.The wasanuninterrupted360degrees Visibility raising theglassfibre bodyshellfrom the rear. P50, ithadnodoor–entrybeinggainedby detachable shoppingbasket.Unlikethe

peelownersclub.co.uk ofthePeel Owner’scourtesy Club,www. car andaP50cars.com original prototype P50,a1964production & RestorationShow. InBlue,LtoR,are the winning Peelstandatthisyear’s ClassicCar National MotorMuseum.Below:theprize- ofMCL, parking pluses-photoscourtesy prototype. Above top:aperiodshotofthePeel50 Above: a Trident displayingits

replica -photo FROM BMH Managing Director John Yea reveals all HERITAGE

In the last issue we carried the disappointing news that Silverstone had been forced to cancel the MG Car Club’s popular MG Live! event in order to carry out urgent resurfacing work to the track. Well, what a difference a day (or in this favourable attention, but ahead of race day respective drivers. case three months!) makes for, just ahead details of the Parade remained vague. of the Grand Prix, the organisers contacted With the sun now shining, I had the the Club seeking members’ MGs for a Nevertheless, I set off bright and early on privilege of escorting Robert Kubica, display and the Drivers’ Parade. Despite the Sunday morning, enjoying an easy run who was making a very popular return to the short notice, Lauren Gallagher, the into the circuit at 6.30am and arriving well the British Grand Prix. The experience of Club’s Assistant Manager, did a fantastic in time for the scheduled briefing at 9.00. driving him round the circuit in front of the

job in putting a suitable group together. We The weather was overcast with moisture cheering crowds was extraordinary and 9 agreed to provide two cars, understanding hanging in the air - not ideal for an open-top very special. Getting some insights from that one would be included in the Drivers’ parade. The briefing emphasised how tight my passenger regarding a Formula 1 car Parade and, before delivering them to the timing of the programme was, and how around Silverstone (Copse flat at 190mph Silverstone on the Thursday, treated them it was essential we followed instructions to anyone?!) was also great, but probably of to the expertise of Pinnacle Detailing the letter. At the appointed time we lined limited relevance to the 1964 FIA MGB I (www.pinnacledetailing.net), neighbours up Le Mans-style in the National Circuit pit generally race! Suffice to say my passenger of ours here in Witney. They did their normal lane and, as soon as the signal was given, was charming and to hear the crowds shout superb job and both cars looked stunning. were out onto the circuit. On reaching his name was brilliant. All in all it was an The display was arranged in the National the GP grid we lined up either side of a exceptional occurrence that I will remember Paddock, where it attracted a great deal of red carpet, before being joined by our forever.

Below, clockwise from the left: John Yea and the BMH MGB escorting Polish star Robert Kubica around the circuit on his popular return to the British Grand Prix; Kimi Raikkonen blasts away in the Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta; Lewis Hamilton gets a lift from dad, Anthony, aboard the family MGC

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com ElectrifyingPOSITIVELY

In celebration of– 100 ECM’S years of the RAF, we visited PHOTON Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Britain’s Royal Enfield’s famous Bullet model has the distinction of being in constant production longer than mostany completeother model and of originalmotorcycle remaining – 86 years. example. For the In last a day54 ofto these remember, it has been we discoveredmade in India, a and it veritableis on the mine current of fascinatingversion that facts Electric and Classic met some Motorcycles of the unique(ECM) ofbody Wales of has162 based hard-working its Photon – a volunteersdecidedly actively eye-catching engaged machine in restoring with an enticing this precious blend ofsite period to its looks former and glory. contemporary electric propulsion. Gordon Bruce tested the prototype alongside the stock petrol-powered version, and was left with a big grin below his helmet. 10 AT THE MID WALES ARTS CENTRE, NEWTOWN AT THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THIS FEATURE WERE TAKEN WERE TAKEN THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THIS FEATURE

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Opposite page: ECM’s electric Photon and behind, the Royal Enfield Bullet from which it was developed. Above: the Photon at rest and on charge. Below: the devil’s in the detail - L to R: the LED headlight; hub motor and brake disc; part of the funky cover that encases the electronics; the rear end complete with tidied-up mudguard bracketry

an electric bike, so I sought a viable bespoke alloy wheel was equipped with THE BACKGROUND route for us to create one. On deciding a 20kW hub motor and disc brake, the Richard Morgan is the man behind the it needed to be based on a current suspension treated to a pair of suitably Photon project, whose highly effective 11 production motorcycle that was classic revised specification coilovers, and the electric classic car conversions we in nature, British in flavour and would be bracketry for the now more exposed featured in the spring issue of Motoring available for years to come, we were mudguard generally tidied up. The rear Classics. The decision to extend his effectively left with a choice of one – the brake operation was changed from a expertise into the two-wheeled world venerable Royal Enfield Bullet.” righthand pedal to a lever where the seems to have been as much of a clutch one previously lived. A sprung surprise to him as anybody else though, Having secured a suitable example, solo seat replaced the original pillion and was prompted by his father. Said ECM removed the engine, transmission one, and a pair of small but effective Richard: “I can’t ride a motorbike and and chain drive, hollowed out the base mirrors were mounted on the tips of the have no personal interest in them, but of the fuel tank, and placed a charger handlebar in place of the manufacturer’s dad prefers them to cars. Nevertheless and DC converter where the fuel and stalk variety. he was always moaning about them engine had been, and the related needing oil changes, chain adjustment 10kWh battery pack as far below that etc and suggested the perfect bike ABOARD THE PHOTON as was practicable. A funky cover was My immediate reaction on sampling the would be one with direct drive and zero designed to encase all the electronics Photon was that I could probably teach lubricants, coolant, fuel and so on. To and created by 3D printing. At the rear, a the family German Shepherd to ride one, my mind he’d subconsciously described Continued overleaf>

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com The classic looks of the standard Bullet draw admiring comments from bikers and non-bikers alike; it comes with both electric and kick starters for its fuel-injected, 500cc single-cylinder engine

12 and he’d most likely enjoy the experience leather panniers, by which the range can opens its order book in around three as much as I did. With no clutch or be extended by 50 percent when needed. months’ time. Further details from gearchange to worry about, you simply Charging time of the prototype is four www.electricclassicmotorcycles.com. turn the key, twist the ‘throttle’ grip and hours, but it’s likely to be nearer one go. With your feet now redundant until and a half on the production machines. you come to rest, starting, stopping and Today’s only Photon is resplendent in a ABOARD THE BULLET overtaking all become much simpler, subtle metallic green, complemented by The Royal Enfield Bullet is an institution, and arguably safer, exercises. The an aesthetically-pleasing and effective the fundamental design of which is little overall weight of the Photon is much the LED headlight, gold detailing and tan changed from the model manufactured same as the Bullet from which it was leather seat. Sales versions will be in Redditch back in the 1950s. The spawned, but its centre of gravity is offered with the choice of green, red or reasons are self-evident - there remains lower – something that is apparent at the blue bodywork. a serious global demand for its first corner, making turn-in easier and rugged reliability and customary looks more precise. The motor response has Make no mistake, this is one great- (especially in India where it has been been set to provide rapid but safe initial looking motorcycle, riding which has manufactured since 1955), while the acceleration, strong mid-range response awoken me to the many undeniable simple but effective technology and and a top speed of around 80mph, while advantages of electric propulsion for huge production volumes allow it to be there is sufficient regeneration to echo two wheels. No, the muted whine of the offered for a fraction of the price of most the engine braking of a conventional compact hub motor will certainly never more contemporary designs – eg a mere bike. The realistic range before charging stir the blood like the sound of a Ducati £3,999 for the version kindly loaned to is around 100 miles – arguably ample Panigale V4 in full cry, but the Photon’s us by MotorGB. In short, If you want a for what is a pleasure machine or hip pleasures are from a different mould. I proven, traditional-looking motorcycle at commuter motorcycle rather than will watch with considerable interest as an affordable price then the Bullet is hard a touring one. However, production its price (expect it to be notably more to beat, and it is in this unique context it Photons will come with the option of than a petrol-powered Bullet) is finalised must be appraised. add-on battery packs housed in bespoke and Electric Classic Motorcycles

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com - THE GRANDDADDY OF THE

MOTORCYCLE WORLD PHOTOS COURTESY OF GORDON BRUCE

Royal Enfield’s unrivalled history has links as far back as 1851 and the manufacture of sewing needles, but it was in 1901 that what was by then known as The Enfield Cycle Company launched its first motorised bicycle, progressing to its first true motorcycles and indeed cars the following year. A purpose-built factory was created in Redditch, England in 1905/1906, from where an excellent range of motorbikes soon emerged, while the car business foundered after just 19 months. The company’s Indian roots date back to 1942, when a pair of entrepreneurs began importing British-made bicycles. They then progressed to motorcycles, selling Matchless, Norton and Royal The classic looks of the standard Bullet draw admiring comments from bikers and non-bikers alike; it comes with both electric and kick starters for its fuel-injected, 500cc single-cylinder engine Enfield models under the banner of Madras Motors. Their big break came in 1952 in the form of an order from the Indian army for some 800 350cc The overall finish is impressive and the Eager to get home after the photographic Bullets, which were required urgently owing to deteriorating relations with

bike drew many admiring glances during shoot with the Photon, I completed the 13 Pakistan. Delivered in CKD form from our 450 mile tenure. It features both return 190 miles to England in a more Redditch and then assembled by the electric and kick starters, but the latter spirited fashion, seeing an indicated staff of Madras Motors, the products was never required, the single-cylinder 80mph on a couple of occasions (so a impressed, leading to a further major powerplant always easily prompted into genuine 70 something mph) and began order and to the Indians beginning to a lazy tickover, ready for whatever one to fall for the ponderous but willing build Royal Enfields themselves, under licence. By 1956 sales were being made decided to throw its way. For my 190 workhorse beneath me. And I was to the public as well as the army and the mile trip from South Bucks to Powys I certainly pleasantly surprised at the business prospered. Matters were not took things fairly easy, short-shifting and overall fuel consumption which, if my so healthy in the UK, however and, hit by cruising at around 55mph. The quoted maths is correct, correlated to a thrifty the invasion of more modern Japanese maximum power of 27.1bhp is notably 83.2mpg, giving a projected range of machinery, the British firm collapsed in 1967 and was purchased by Norton low for a fuel-injected 500cc engine and c.300 miles per tank. If you fancy a new Villiers, which itself was forced to cease it does run out of puff if revved (there classic-style motorcycle with a big heart trading in 1978. is no tachometer, but no real need for and contemporary levels of reliability Astutely steered through good times and one either), but there is sufficient torque for what would only buy you an ageing bad, Royal Enfield India is nowadays one to haul the Bullet out of corners in a secondhand example of most other of the largest producers of motorcycles satisfying enough way. The foot pegs marques, then a Royal Enfield Bullet has in the world, with an annual production are fairly far forward, prompting an to be worthy of consideration. capacity of no less than 800,000 units upright riding position that’s actually very and export business across the globe. comfortable at the available speeds. The It is sad Britain had to relinquish the ride is relatively soft (a bonus on today’s rights to the longest established name still making motorcycles, but we can pot-holed roads), so the front can dip surely take pride in having derived quite markedly under anything other than a brand that shows every sign of gentle braking. prospering for many years to come. For details of the current range see www.royalenfield-uk.co.uk.

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British Motor Heritage MD John Yea reports from the cockpit

Amazingly, our motorsport season Festival. The A40 was entered for once more, but 20th place was is almost over already. It kicked off the HRDC Touring Greats race, then the best I could manage. at the end of April with the MGB on and our newly-built Mini for the the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch, Coy’s Trophy. Qualifying for the On May 18 we were at Oulton Park with the VSCC for the Equipe GTS where there was an Equipe GTS race Touring Greats was wet, in which on both Saturday and Sunday. The race in the MGB. Qualifying was we achieved 10th position but, damp qualifying conditions for the reasonably successful, but the first one really suited the balanced although my partner in crime race is best forgotten, as I slid handling of my car, and I managed Chris Ryan made great progress off on oil spilt when the car ahead 4th overall. The dry race was less in the race, we still only finished suffered driveshaft failure, at which rewarding, as I dropped back to 8th overall, largely due to a very point I was clobbered by another

14 11th - a disappointing performance. slow driver change and my lack of MGB, resulting in considerable The Sunday outing was marginally seat time in the A40. My qualifying damage to a front wing. more successful with 8th place, for the Coy’s Trophy resulted in a May 25 saw us back in the MGB but for no obvious reason a car dispiriting 26th place on the grid. at Brands Hatch for one of the drove into the rear wing, leaving In the dry/damp race the car cut some unsightly damage. highlights of the season - the out, and wouldn’t restart. Luckily I Equipe GTS race on the Grand Prix The May Bank Holiday weekend was handily placed to roll into the circuit. This is a track I really enjoy, saw us at Donington for the Historic pits and get the machine going and I managed to qualify 20th

www.motoringclassics.co.ukwww.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.bmh-ltd.com in the mixed field of Equipe and the relay and the ‘Quinn-tessentially’ Pre-‘63 cars. The race was great Heritage Team consisting of myself fun, though choosing to make my (MGB), Chris Ryan (A40), and compulsory pit stop very early Mike Lillywhite (MGB). Qualifying proved to be a major disadvantage, was uneventful, with all three of

as there was a long safety car us putting in lap times of 1.30, 15 period just as I rejoined the track, which had us starting 17th of the leaving me 22nd overall at the end. 26 teams. We opted for half-hour stints, and I took the start. The On the first weekend in June we track was still damp from earlier were at Thruxton with the HRDC, rain, and the initial two laps were racing the A40 and the Mini. The quite torrid as some drivers were A40 was entered in the Coy’s being very cautious, whilst others Trophy for which we qualified like me could see a clear dry line 13th overall, 3rd in class. Chris and were eager to make progress, made a demon start In the race allowing our team to move up to and was having a great battle with just one lap behind the leaders. an Alfa GTA, but they became so entangled that Chris had no option Unfortunately we incurred two but to pit at the same time as the penalty laps for speeding in the pit Alfa, something I was completely lane, and two 10 second penalties unprepared for and which cost us for exceeding track limits, putting damage and a big chunk of time, us way down in the results. We had though we still won our class! a great time though, and hope to Qualifying the Mini for the Allstars do it all again next year. Sunday’s race was challenging, as the Equipe GTS race saw me a second gearchange was playing up, while and a half slower than the day the engine blew up in the race, before, and right down in 28th effectively ending the car’s season. place. A broken anti-roll bar link was the cause and repaired before the Our next meeting was at the end race. I was then able to progress of June at Donington Park with through the field to 12th overall, the HRDC. The A40 was in the so some pride was restored. The Touring Greats and the MGB in race was won by Chris in his TR4, the Allstars. The A40 qualified so it was ultimately a memorable well and Chris had a great race weekend for our team. until a rocker broke, fortunately without additional damage to the engine. I managed an encouraging PHOTOS COURTESY OF 2nd overall in the Allstars event. MICK WALKER AND DICKON SIDDALL So to July 20/21 and the MG Car Club’s Donington weekend supported by British Motor Heritage (BMH). The Saturday was all about

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HINDSIGHTWE REFLECT ON THE ORIGINAL FORMULA 3 SERIES THAT HELPED LAUNCH THE CAREERS OF SUCH FUTURE STARS AS STIRLING MOSS AND GRAHAM HILL Following the death of the cycle-car and from Austin Seven chassis, and raced 10, 1945. This important meeting was the continuing rise in the cost of motor them on a bumpy grass circuit near the presided over by ‘Sammy’ Davis, then racing – has it ever slowed down? – Somerset village of Clapton-in-Gordano. the Sports Editor of Autocar, while the drivers in the mid-‘30s sought a new So successful was the idea that plans technical panel included Messrs Caesar, cheaper approach to the sport. Various were laid for a national formula - then Hack, Cross and Horstman – Caesar in tiny groups were formed, specials built came WWII. Far from shelving their particular was an avid special builder and meetings undertaken – most of ideas, the Bristol boys used these years and had already had a major hand in

16 them illegally! The exception to most to cement them and, under the auspices such well-known Shelsley Specials as the of these flash in the pan organisations of the Bristol Aeroplane Co. Motor original Anzani-engined Freikaiserwagen. was CAPA. This band of West Country Sports Club, the proposals were finally The meat of the proposals was that the enthusiasts constructed cars mainly released for approval on December engines should be normally-aspirated, of

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Opposite page: Coldham, Whitehouse and Carter doing battle at Brands Hatch, April 1950. Above, clockwise from the left: Bill Whitehouse, Cooper-JAP, enjoying a trial run before the first car race to be held at Brands Hatch, February 1950; Eric Brandon in the Cooper prototype at Prescott, July 1946 with John Cooper looking on from the left; a young Stirling Moss en route to victory, Goodwood, September 1947. Below: The Motor’s fine cutaway of a 1951 Kieft

up to 500cc and limited to two cylinders, behind these cars was to become addition to the ranks – the prototype

while the cars should carry no more than typical of the ingenuity displayed by the Cooper. It was entered for 23-year-old 17 two gallons of fuel. About 30 people 500 movement. Clive Lones’ mount, John Cooper and his friend Eric Brandon signified their intention to start building. Tiger Kitten, comprised an inverted but, with a best time some six and a Austin seven van chassis with a TT half seconds off that of the flying Strang Slight modifications and additions were JAP engine purring up front and driving due to vibration-induced engine-mount then made at what is considered to be through an Austin transmission. The breakages, caused no more than a the first ‘proper’ meeting of the 500cc other car belonged to driver/engineer ripple. At this time the name of Cooper movement on March 25, 1946, which Colin Strang, and must be regarded meant little, only a few appreciating that included a minimum weight ruling of as the forerunner of all subsequent father Charles was the same Cooper that 500 lb, while bodywork was famously 500s of merit. It consisted of a Fiat had acted as mechanic to the renowned declared ‘optional but desirable’. Two Mouse chassis with its leaf spring Irish racer/record breaker Kaye Don. months later, at the May Prescott, a front suspension, while power came Certainly nobody attending that day delighted crowd not only witnessed the from a rear-mounted TT Vincent engine could have forecast the subsequent first major post-war motorsport in Britain, driving through motorcycle chains and domination Coopers would enjoy right but also the first two products of this sprockets. through to the end of the 500cc reign. proposed formula. The different thinking Their first success was in fact at Brighton Enthusiasm was bubbling in all camps, Speed Trials the following September, and the July Prescott saw another where John soundly beat seven other competitors in the 850cc class, From then on the champagne barely stopped flowing. By this stage interest in the club was rife, and the time had come to put it on an official footing. The select committee included Lord Howe, patron; ‘Sammy’ Davis, president; and Raymond Mays, and the then Editor of Light Car magazine, F J Findon, vice- presidents. Early pioneer John Siddall was elected secretary. Plans were also made for the club magazine, which was dubbed Iota – the Greek letter denoting Continued overleaf>

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above, clockwise from the left: the daddy of them all, Colin Strang’s eponymous Strang at Prescott, September 1947; Spike Rhiando, Cooper-JAP, en route to victory in the Grand Prix support race, Silverstone, October 1948; Clive Lones’ Tiger Kitten asleep in the paddock, Prescott, May 1947. Below, L to R: C S Dodd suffering a spot of bother, Mallory Park, September 1957; Lord Strathcarron aboard his Marwyn, Luton Hoo, March 1948; John Cooper leads Moss at Silverstone, May 1950

the international 350-500cc class, and longer left time for such junior pursuits. secure, and it was in this year that they the name given to Caesar’s own chassis By 1948 500s were commonplace at received international recognition as

18 from which many well-known specials hillclimbs and sprints throughout Britain, Formula 3. The second race to emanate were constructed; including Stromboli and their popularity was snowballing. from this new found status was held at and the baby Freikaiserwagen (later That same year, the first RAC national Monaco where the F3 cars provided known as the Wasp). By Christmas event coincided with the opening of the the supporting race to the GP. British membership was around the 250 mark Silverstone circuit, where their 50-mile cars dominated, and the race was won and a year later had swelled to over 560. race acted as a curtain raiser for the first by a certain S Moss, aboard a special- British GP. Retirements were numerous engined Cooper-JAP. It should be remembered that many top and the race was eventually won by the class drivers were weaned on 500s, Over the years, the governing body enigmatic Alvin ‘Spike’ Rhiando. Moss including Stuart Lewis-Evans, Peter of the 500s underwent several name retired early, courtesy of a loose chain Collins, and in later years, Trevor Taylor changes, one of them being somewhat sprocket – a typical 500 ailment. and the relatively young moustachioed involuntary. It seems the 500 Club was Hill G. Another driver who made his It is perhaps fitting that these bike- also the name attributed to a social club in intentions clear from the offset was engined cars should also be the first Albemarle Street, London run by Richard Stirling Moss. He and his immaculate to race at Brands Hatch, a circuit Attenborough and John Mills. Drivers cream Cooper-JAP first appeared at the previously used solely by the motorcycle thinking it was an extension of their May Prescott of 1948, and promptly fraternity. The trial meeting held the own organisation had apparently been took fourth place in a well-subscribed week after Easter 1950, and run the enjoying privileges normally reserved class. Victory came his way three weeks opposite way to today’s track, included for bona fide members – whatever that later at the newly revived Stanmer Park four major races with a number of may mean - hence the change of title to hillclimb near Brighton. He never looked qualifying heats, and by the end of the Half Litre Club. This was later renamed back from then on, driving both Coopers day bits of 500 were strewn all over the British Racing and Sports Car Club and Kiefts to countless successes until Kent, and the number of cars left running (BRSCC), which continued to cater for 1955, when his preoccupation with could virtually be counted on the fingers the owners of these baby cars until the such trifling pastimes as Grands Prix of one hand! Nevertheless, their place finale of the formula, whereupon the and international sports car racing no in the circuit-racing calendar was now club’s preoccupation with other circuitry

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above, clockwise from the left: a typical 500 grid with Coopers to the fore, in this case those of Stuart Lewis-Evans, Ivor Bueb and Cliff Alison - by this time Manx-Norton engines were the units to have but in short supply, forcing the car fraternity to buy complete bikes just for the powerplants; John Cooper en route to a fine second place, Silverstone, October 1948; Lewis-Evans and Alison going hammer and tongs at Silverstone, May 1956. Below: Don Truman’s Bardon Special at rest; Millington’s Milli-Union at Towcester race course, October 1947; J R Stoop in G.S.1, Silverstone, October 1948

matters (the 500s were now banished to infancy – if my cot had had wheels I’d and son John. It went a stage further hillclimb and sprint courses) effectively have been among them. Names like than the Strang by using a Fiat front end 19 left the 500 men out in the cold. This Tyrrell, Ecclestone, Russell, Leston assembly at both ends, thus giving fully situation was finally rectified in 1968 and Parker remained linked with motor independent suspension all-round. The when the 500 Owners Association was racing for many more years, while other Fiat disc wheels were retained and the formed to encourage the rejuvenation of such prominent participants as Bueb, car constructed around a simple box what was by then a collection of rather Carter and Whitehouse were consigned chassis. Power came from a speedway tatty competing cars, and encourage to the history books. JAP engine driving through a Triumph others out of their hiding places in gearbox to a solid axle by chains and The domination of the Cooper marque barns and lofts. The response was sprockets. and the scale on which the racing was phenomenal, and these days the club eventually staged sent the price of 500cc Ultimately there were 13 marks of boasts some 150 members and over competition soaring from the original production Cooper 500s, which from 100 cars, many of which are involved in ideals of the CAPA boys. As a junior form the MK8 onwards featured a strong twin- active competition – see www.500race. of racing it created a memorable legacy, tube chassis which was usually powered org for further information. but as a low cost formula it ultimately by the all-conquering short-stroke Manx As a category, the 500cc Formula 3 failed, as they nearly all do. Norton engine. From early days the must be regarded as one of the most cars were fitted with Cooper’s own

successful. It effectively ran from 1950 magnesium wheels with cast-in brake PORTRAIT OF A WINNER - COOPER until the widespread adoption of Formula drums, though from the MK9 a single Talk about from small beginnings - from Junior towards the end of that decade, HRD disc was used at the rear in the the prototype Cooper run at Prescott though some countries, eg Russia, ran interest of weight saving. Cooper’s last grew the F1 car that finally brought championships as late as 1963. The 500 was produced in 1959, terminating the World Drivers and Constructors type of close racing they provided would a production run of several hundred Championships to Britain in 1959, but equal that of any current formula, and cars, the list of successes of which that’s another story. the heroes of the period will never be would arguably require more space than forgotten by the hordes of spectators Cooper’s inaugural 500 was built from this article. who watched 500cc racing from its scratch in just five weeks by Charles

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