Just a little recap of our stand at the NEC Classic car show, we put up four SPs, those belonging to Chris Hare, Ann Mason with the ex-Quintin Willson UGS 5, Jim Davies and Jill Thurston’s which in its own right caused much emotional interest and a 17 year re-union for a couple of visitors down from Scotland.
The last time they saw the SP was with Jill’s late father when Jill lived north of the border. One of whom still owns Jill father’s old Riley, they were overjoyed to re-connect with Jill. Chris’ SP likewise brought forth much interest as it is fitted with many modifications one of which is an electrical power steering system that will enable a potential owner to re-kindle his efforts in owning an SP given he has arthritis and a power steering addition will help enormously.
The ex-Quentin Willson car is always a major attraction for all petrol heads that followed the TV series of ‘Top Gear’ in its early days when hosted by Quentin. And as for the Jim Davies car, I needed to keep my mittens on as it so immaculate and winner of many awards that visitors ask if he ever drives it – which he does all the time, so much so that I have bought shares in a firm that manufactures fibre cloths!
We were keep busy during the entire 3 day event and pleased to welcome many owners including Dave Segar-Thomas from France who help out for a couple of days and also Gordon Hill from South Carolina.
The following clip gives a rough idea of our stand:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=UrOeWGuVkVQ&t=1793s
What’s in a name you may well ask? Have you ever pondered about the Daimler script on the bonnet of our cars that proudly depicts England?
Well it came about when Daimler were chasing the $ and wanted to proclaim its origins rather than that of its German cousin. It’s bizarre, even nowadays people think it is of German manufacture!
And now to the engine, that made the SP, it is featured at 3.17 however, the entire clip is worth watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpZi0p1zqMo
And in a name part two: In the June 1959 edition of the American magazine Motor Trend the editorial were discussing the new Daimler Dart from Britain’s oldest car manufacturer. So much for Dodge protesting at the New York Motor show in April 1959 at the name Dart when Daimler début their new car or that this major American magazine were either running a two month printing schedule or was it just the name was overlooked?
We are pleased to say the SP250 calendar are selling very well with just a couple left, Alan Mason is the contact if you wish to buy one in time for Christmas. (soaring.ace@btinternet.com)
There is being planned in late July next year, an SP250 day (or days) in the west of the country based around the Bromyard Festival https://bromyardspeedfestival.co.uk/. Glyn Overy is working up finer details. Studying their web site, there is a motoring day on the Saturday and the event itself on the Sunday. I will keep you inform and Glyn will write up more details in the Driving Member magazine.
Alan Mason (soaring.ace@btinternet.com) is at the advance stage with planning our annual trip out to the Spa Classic next year over the weekend of the 23rd – 25th May. This is an iconic circuit set in the Ardennes Forest https://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/ If you care to join us please contact Alan Mason for further details. It is possible currently with or without your car as we have a couple of spare seats at present.
If you are going to Classic Le Mans next year SP owner Neil Horton (Kent) has a race entry with his Peerless GT coupe, he, I’m sure would welcome a friendly face of support or encouraging words while he is in the paddock.
Last month I wrote that I didn’t think that moribund Jaguar had a future – how wrong I was. They have been redesigning the humble skip into a concept car! Many recycle companies need skips – albeit the new concept Jaguar is an EV and dubbed the 00 :- https://media.jaguar.com/news/2024/12/jaguar-unveils-type-00-unmistakable-unexpected-dramatic . I notice in its press release it stresses ‘copy nothing’ well if you compare the 00– ‘concept ethos’ with the Rolls-Royce on the left, is it not the same ‘ethos’ – ‘Plagiarism is an art of concealing your source!’
And on the subject of EVs how does a 35% discount help make up your mind, it doesn’t? What with Bentley pushing back EV dates until 2035 and many manufactures telling their governments – not the way to go.
If European governments still pursue this pipe dream of an electric car then the only car manufacturing will be in Far East. Consumers are voting with their pockets and leaving EVs to stand idle in fields of ‘sorrow’ – not gold as the manufactures and governments had hope!
I have heard that a major car retailer has told all their sales staff NOT to take in any EVs as part exchange, recently one such cost the company an £8000 hit when they sold at auction, as it’s their policy on all part exchanges.
And finally………….
The ultimate break down truck, a 1964 3.8 Mk 10 Jaguar with slight modifications, and its road registered – competition for Silverstone Sid?
Thought for the day:
It is easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them!
