The Magazine

Is it a Derby Mystery?

by Ron King: I attach a photograph, taken by a friend, in the 1950's of what I think is a very much modified 1928 Derby, possibly for racing, as one can see the traces on the original photo of what looks like painted on racing number in front of the outside handbrake and airpump, both in themselves I would think modifications. The rear springs look lowered by the expedient of fitting angled wedges under the mountings and of course the lack of front wings. Those on the back look more like driver elbow protection than anything else. What the oversize P100's did to the frontal area and speed one hesitates to think. I only know it is a Derby of 1928 because that is what is written on the back of the photo it would be nice to know if anyone remembers this car and could say more about it and if it still exists. (>>> Read More).

editor: we need to be convinced that it is a Derby. It is closer to a La Perle and the radiator cowl looks BNC-ish. Yet maybe it's a parts collection on a Derby chassis, who knows.

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Is this all what's left of Peter & Moritz?

Of certain makes of car only a few examples are left. Also there are marques of which only one specimen is left. Also there are automobiles known of which only a chassis or engine survived. With the most charming make Peter und Moritz (clearly inspired by the stripheroes Max & Moritz created by Wilhelm Busch) it is even worse. As far as known to Stefan Feller this radiator badge is the only tangible what' s left of the German cyclecar manufacturer of Naumberg that existed from 1921-1925. First with aircooled cars and later with watercooling. Not even sure to which type this badge was fitted. We are most eager to learn if any Peter und Moritz car (or any part for what it's worth) has survived. According to Georgano there was a relation with Rover. Can anyone add to cheerful background of the Naumberg car?  (badge from collection Stefan Feller)

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

London Taxi waiting for new assignment.

Bob Holmes sends us these photos of a 1910 Panhard et Levassor London taxi that has recently been discovered following the death of its previous owner in Gloucestershire, England. The car is fitted with Laundelette coachwork and features all of its original fittings including taxi meter, Metropolitan Police fare card, passenger to driver direction indicator, etc.. The car is totally complete and just needs careful recommissioning before it is ready to go again. It is thought to have been restored around fifty years ago and appears to have had very little use since until it was laid up around twelve years ago. The car has been entered for sale at Richard Edmonds auctioneers auction at Castle Combe racing circuit on Saturday 30th June. Hopefully a new owner can be found to carefully preserve this unique motor car.

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Monday mystery axles

Funny, ther's so little to see and still it's almost a car. As if it's only a few bits of chassis rails and an engine that's needed to get this cyclecar(?) going again... Back to reality, Johan Kroon is asking your help to identify these axles. Finally somebody who takes the trouble to provide dimensions with his mystery object! What we also like is the 'tapestry' chosen by the photographer. When this ........ ever will come back to the road, it should be on  a road like this. Here some dimensions: the track width is 110 cm / diameter of wheels 54 cm / width of rims 6 cm / mounting of springs front 70 cm apart and rear 85 cm / brake drum diameter 20 cm / diameter chain wheel 17 cm. Editor: looks like something lightish, we're looking forward to your remarks. Question for Johan: is it one or two chainwheels? And what is the size of the brass(?) hubcaps. Here a few more photos.

Monday, 14 May 2012