Post by Chris Wright on Oct 2, 2017 13:43:54 GMT -5
In 1935, these twin cam single seat racing cars were Austin's attempt to compete with the diminutive MG Midgets, cars that can trace their lineage back to humble Morris road cars, Herbert Austin's key competition in the affordable-car market at the time. Much of the development work done on the Austin twin cams was done at Donington Park during 1935 and 1936. The design was originally drawn up by T. Murray-Jamieson, along with W.V. Appleby and T. Brown.
Once the early reliability niggles were sorted, the cars competed successfully for a number of years, thwarted in the end by the outbreak of war.
Four drivers are best remembered for competing in the punchy little twin cam, 747cc, Austins - L.P. Driscoll, C.L. Goodacre and perhaps best known of all, 'Bert' Hadley and Kay Petre. The cars were entered in speed trials, hillclimbs, and full-blown races at venues such as Crystal Palace, Donington, and of course the Brooklands.
Donington used to have two twin cam racers on display at the Grand Prix museum,
As usual on 82 year old cars that have been raced a lot I find that no two photos of the cars are the same. However i persevered and this is my attempt. I started off with a George Turner kit, much of the resin running gear was replaced with brass and steel, hopefully the added weight low down weight will help it stick to the track.
Beautiful accurate Peter Seager Thomas wheels.
Naturally a Immense Miniatures period driver, thanks Marc! And a Union Jack!
Yes the period drivers wore dark tinted goggles.
A slight glossy sheen, it has been polished up a little more for a more accurate look.
The greasy parts, guide has to be added, I'm using a Shadowfax unit, ideal for this tiny car.
You can really see the brass suspension detail in this shot.
Once the early reliability niggles were sorted, the cars competed successfully for a number of years, thwarted in the end by the outbreak of war.
Four drivers are best remembered for competing in the punchy little twin cam, 747cc, Austins - L.P. Driscoll, C.L. Goodacre and perhaps best known of all, 'Bert' Hadley and Kay Petre. The cars were entered in speed trials, hillclimbs, and full-blown races at venues such as Crystal Palace, Donington, and of course the Brooklands.
Donington used to have two twin cam racers on display at the Grand Prix museum,
As usual on 82 year old cars that have been raced a lot I find that no two photos of the cars are the same. However i persevered and this is my attempt. I started off with a George Turner kit, much of the resin running gear was replaced with brass and steel, hopefully the added weight low down weight will help it stick to the track.
Beautiful accurate Peter Seager Thomas wheels.
Naturally a Immense Miniatures period driver, thanks Marc! And a Union Jack!
Yes the period drivers wore dark tinted goggles.
A slight glossy sheen, it has been polished up a little more for a more accurate look.
The greasy parts, guide has to be added, I'm using a Shadowfax unit, ideal for this tiny car.
You can really see the brass suspension detail in this shot.