D.S.J. ON A.M.
” I). S. J.” ON A.M.
Sir, I read Mr. Jenkinson’s reply to my letter about Aston Martins, and it is obvious that we differ in our reaction to various events; there being no point in arguing over personal opinions. I have no wish to provoke further comment. There are several statements in his letter w:dch are rather misleading; unfortunately 1. am only a very humble member of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club, and Mr. Jenkinson is u well-known journalist, but as far as I can see from my records he is inaccurate on one or two points :
(1) Astons making a film in Italy while everybody else was racing in the Milk Miglia. In fact, the film company bought a 1)1135 and hired two Lagondas, together with the services of some racing drivers, only one of whom was actually under contract to. Aston Martins.
(2) Driver pairings and tactics: tactics which *in races must be regarded as sound even if unacceptable to Mr. Jenkinson.
(3) Behra catching Moss at ” indecent speed at Le Mans. Moss’ fastest lap 4 min. 3 see., Behra’s fastest lap 4 min. 00.9 sec. Moss, knowing Behra, would encourage him to catch up; its his own words : “I had no intention of bursting my engine just to stay ahead of Belau with more than 22 hours of racing yet to come.”
(4) Winning by default of your rivals; he Mans is Wan this way usually.
(5) More powerful opposition when Jaguars were racing. This is a eery open question.
I repeat my original statement that his articles read, to me anyway, as if he regretted having to praise the Aston Martin racing team, who after all won the 1959 Championship despite him ! Finally, if he has to listen to sarcastic remarks froth his Italian friends, what better answer than to ask who makes Enzo Ferrari’s brakes and bearings.
Anstey. I ant, Yours, ete,..,
G. R. D. L. Ginsors (Dr.). • • •