The Magazine

Back to the Cork Grand Prix

One of racing history's footnotes is the Cork Grand Prix. Although held only three times, from 1936 to 1938, it was a huge success, the last race on the roads of Cork in the Irish Republic drawing some 70,000 spectators. Only too bad it was held just seven days after the first Championship race at Pau in France. Due to the new regulations that year this short interval put so much pressure on the Mercedes and Auto Union teams that they were unable to attend. There were two races on the Friday one which was won by Prince Bira of Siam, driving an ERA. The main race, over 200 miles, was won by Rene Dreyfus of France in a 4500cc Delahaye, with Prince Bira second this time in a 2992cc Maserati.
Many of the cars that took part in the 1930's races are still in use in the historic motor racing scene, some are in Ireland but many are in the UK, Europe and America. Also the circuit for the 1930's Cork Motor Races is still mostly intact, which is a very good reason for organizing a re-run of the 1938 Cork Grand Prix. This will take place on Sunday 23rd June 2013 with many pre-1950 sports and race cars driving three laps of the circuit, after which the cars will be on display for the remainder of the morning.

(black & white pictures courtesy Irish Examiner)
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Sunday, 21 April 2013

What is it? Quiz #343

Didn't they make wonderful automobiles back in the early years of the previous century? When we discovered his picture we immediately thought that this marque would be a perfect quiz candidate. However, when we checked our find with two jury members, they told us that the radiator is not the right one for this automobile. What to do? Well, present the quiz anyway! But together with a picture of a radiator of a similar -but earlier- model of this marque. Of course we have taken out the logo. We couldn't find one on the "wrong" radiator, but we have blanked out the licence plate (although it has nothing to do with this automobile's country of origin). Further you will have to make do with the text: The name of the marque is the same as the city where it was produced (in the original language of course). It was designed by two men, who later went on to designing other well-known automobiles. We can't give you their names as that would be a give-away. The marque was still listed as a carmaker well into the second decade, but there are doubts that production lasted that long. That should do it! Tell us at least the make, but we would appreciate some more information. Please first see 'Read More' for the rules and read them carefully as we have added a new rule. Then send us your answer before Monday, April 22 by using the 'Add comment' box below. Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday, 20 April 2013

On the way to Montlhéry...

Robin Batchelor reports: "Today I spent all day trying to clean the dirt from the petrol tank in my Ford Woodie - ready for our visit to Montlhéry! Since the car joined The Automobile magazine's "Oily Rag" collection, I have been trying to make the car as usable as possible.
The one "spanner in the works" is original dirt in the petrol tank. Despite flushing it several times, the odd bit of 1938 dirt blocks the pipe.
So as the engine falters, I pull in to the nearest layby and go through the familiar process of unscrewing the petrol pipe, blowing down the pipe into the tank, and re- connecting. As I lifted the bonnet on the drive way of a lonely property I heard the owner call out to see if I needed help. I resisted asking for a cup of tea - but I told him all about the car as I went through the ritual.
He then invited me in to see something. What are the chances of stopping out side the gate of the grandson of the original owner of a 1938 Hudson! A true barn find. It hasn't moved for 30 years. He proudly showed me a picture of his grandparents on their honeymoon in it .
We exchanged names and numbers and I went on my way - having made a new friend."
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Friday, 19 April 2013

For the lucky ones at Montlhéry

This weekend will see the greatest show on earth, well.... at least the best of France. Saturday and Sunday a massive crowd of vintage racing cars and vintage motorbikes will touch the holy concrete of Montlhéry, just south of Paris. Vintage Revival Montlhéry, two days of vintage racing fun along the banked curves of the french diva. Truckloads of Amilcars, Bugattis, Morgan, Frazer-Nash and many nearly forgotten trivia like Lombard will meet for this festival in the memory of Jacques Potherat. To top up the show at least 10 Voisin automobiles will be present. And you? See you at Linas-Montlhéry, 20-21 April. Prizes for most original car, most original bike, spirit of the event and club spirit will be presented by PreWarCar.

Thursday, 18 April 2013