Page 19 - Beep Beep March 23

The 4-speed gearbox sings out loud under load, only easing off in 4th gear as I concentrate on keeping the car on the correct side of the road. Richard tells me to plant the accelerator into the corners which seemed to stop the car from taking the straight line. The crunch gearbox lives up to its reputation as I find no easy alternative to slamming the gearstick into the next gear.
Keeping the Vauxhall in the lane requires all my concentration especially on some of these notoriously narrow Hinterland roads. The motor has a surprising amount of power – overcoming inclines with ease and getting up to speed in no time (as the saying goes) no wonder it was popular in the racing scene long ago.
I was enjoying myself driving when I remember Richard said something earlier about poor brakes... so I better do the test... and yes! he was right!! The pedal requires enormous pressure just to slow down. Braking is very much a forward thinking procedure. Emergency stopping? no such thing – all I can say is, I feel sorry for the car that pulls in front.
Seriously though, Richard and Anne are true enthusiasts of all fine antiques and they both relish the pleasure of touring around in this rare car – I certainly did too.
Photos from Noel St John-Wood
Cheers Noel SJW
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