THE ALECEXES

THE ALECEXES

When we were preparing the announcement about the new B.M.C. mini-motors last year we were very careful to name two of the engineers correctly—Alec Issigonis and Alex Moulton.

Consequently, we were disturbed to discover that when the R.A.C. awarded the Dewar Trophy to the British Motor Corporation in respect of these advanced small cars, coupled with the name of their talented Chief Engineer, the latter was called Alex Issigonis. This occurred again in H.M.C. advertisements in the Press.

So we wrote to Mr. Issigonis congeatniating him on the well. deserved honour and asking whether to celebrate the occasion he had swapped Christian names with Mr. Moulton. He replied ” Dear Sir, . Alec Issigonis.” Then there was rejoicing in the City Road and, remembering that this issue appears on April Fool’s Days the Editor could not be restrained from writing the following poor lines of verse. Issigonis, Christian name of Alec,

eaned a mini-motor with springs non-metallie.

What he did was to use moulton rubber.

Gently aided by a snubber. Alas, herb tomes a complication; you might think. perhaps That Issigonis’ accomplice should be addressed as Alex. But no, the mighty B.M. Corporation, in adverts in the daily Press,

Fails to mention Moulton, but calls Issigonis Alex. none the less. •

We were confused, your Editor undone, by this indifference between Alec, Alex.

Is Issigonis Alex, Moulton Alec, perhaps ? But no, MOTOR SPORT’S correct: italics :

” The car comes from the moulton brain of Alec, but rests on rubbers developed by Ales.” Gnottus : You refer to Alec when of Dem ar you speak,

It’s Alex who makes the springs that cannot squeak. It’s Alec who weaned the twins—credit where

credit’s tire. It’s Alex who snakes their ride moulton; contrarywise’s

just hally-hoo.