Silver Barrows

Sir,

I paid the £15 entrance fee and £5 for a programme at Donington Park’s VSCC/HGPCA meeting in eager anticipation of seeing and hearing the legendary pre-War Auto Unions.

Imagine then my disappointment when the threeand six-litre Auto Unions trickled around at little above tickover. An absolutely pathetic performance. None of us expected these very valuable cars to be driven at ten-tenths, but eighttenths would have been great fun.

Two years ago, I had a real treat when I witnessed John Surtees demonstrating the Mercedes W156. Not only was I able to see this amazing machine, but I got to experience the ‘boot polish smell’ about which I had heard so much.

Full marks to Mercedes for allowing their cars to be driven as they should, but no marks for Audi. My wife insisted on taking her car defenders — she need not have bothered.

I AM, YOURS ETC,

Jonathan Hill, Grantham, Lincs