Twin-Cam

Sir,

The Editor’s article on overhead camshaft engines was most instructive and enjoyable. I was disappointed to see that he relegated the Salmson overhead camshaft engines to the status of also-rans.”

It is quite true to say that the Salmson was the first production twin overhead camshaft engine in the light car class, and I suspect it may even have been the first production engine of this type in any class. These engines in 1,100 and 1,300-c.c. form were photographed in production style chassis as early as 1922, and were winning races in 1921.

JOHN M. MCLELLAN.

London, N.W.11.

(Lack of space, not lack of respect, relegated the twin-cam Salmson to the list of such engines. The article was mainly about single o.h.c. valve gear but if I ever write about unusual valve actuation I promise to include the “push-pull” Salmsons. – ED.)