HERE AND THERE, March 1927

HERE AND THERE.

News Items from all parts of the World.

A New 172 c.c. Sports Lightweight.

It is of interest to note that Laxton’s Garage and Engineers Ltd., of Lincoln Road, Peterborough, a firm which has specialised for many years in the production of lightweight machines, has now added a new model to its range of New Knight machines.

The new model includes a 172 c.c. super sports Villiers two-stroke engine fitted in a conventional type of frame, and chain transmission via an Albion three speed gear box. No kick starter is fitted in the usual way, unless a smaller diameter exhaust system, as fitted to the standard sports machine made by the firm, is specified. Two internal expanding brakes are fitted in the rear wheel and are operated by hand and foot.

The lubrication is automatic, and a sight feet is fitted. Also Amac or Villiers carburettor, Brampton forks, and Avon 24 x 2f tyres are included in the specification. The machine weighs about 158 lbs. and the prier is £36 10s., which includes an electric head lamp.

Is It a Record ?

Riding a 3i h.p. A. J.S. at the Motordrome, Pretoria, Piet L’Evaart recently made what is claimed to be the world’s record long jump with a motor cycle. Leaving an inclined plank at a speed of 50 m.p.h. the rider and machine cleared a distance of 62ft. 3iin., a performance likely to create envy amongst stunt performers at motor cycle gymkhanas.

An American Sports Car.

A new design of car at present enjoying the attention of the Hudson Company of America has a new type of engine, a much lowered frame and four-wheel brakes. To satisfy the demands of the American sporting drivers, the car will be capable of road speeds as high as 100 miles per hour.

The British Grand Prix.

According to the regulations just issued for the Grand Prix of the Royal Automobile Club, the date fixed for this event is October 1st, and as was the case last-year, will be held at Brooklands. The exact details of the circuit have not yet been decided upon, but several special turns will be included. This year the race will be longer than that of 1926, the total distance amounting to about 325 miles. The race is limited to cars whose engine capacity is 1,500 c.c. or less, and a minimum unladen weight of 700 kilos. Crash helmets will be compulsory.

The winner will receive a prize of £1,000, second prize £300 and third prize £200. Entries close on July 1st, at single fees and September 1st for double fees. The entry fees are as follows :—£50 for one car, £90 for two cars, £120 for three cars, £140 for four cars and £150 for five cars. No entrant is allowed to enter more than five cars.

The Rex Acme Motor Cycle.

Another interesting new cycle is that which the Rex Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Crown Works, Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, have decided to produce. It is to be fitted with the famous 350 c.c. Blackburne engine. The machine should become very popular among solo enthusiasts to whom speed is one of the greatest considerations.

The frame used is of the firm’s own special design, fitted with double under rails, constructed on similar lines to those so successfully used by W. L. Handley in the Tourist Trophy Races and other well-known road events.

The model incorporates a Burman three-speed gear box, with hand controlled clutch, kick starter and efficient shock absorber. M.L. Magneto, Coventry chains, Amac sports type carburettor, Dunlop 26 x 2f cord tyres, 6 in. rear and 5 in. internal expanding brakes, together with a Lycett Aero saddle, it is thus apparent that the model” M” as it is called incorporates a generous and high class specification, and with the low-built frame used, allows for a very comfortable and low-riding position.

Engine lubrication is by Best and Lloyd mechanical pump with “tell-tale,” while grease gun lubrication is employed for the remaining parts of the machine.

It is interesting to note that Mr. W. L. Handley now supervises the production of Rex Acme motor cycles, having lately been appointed to the position of works manager.

Grand Prix d’Europe for England.

The International Sports Committee has decided to allocate the race for the Grand Prix d’Europe to England for next year.

The University Boat Race, April 2nd.

S.M.S. Ltd. are issuing an invitation to all their Agents, trade friends and SALMSON owners to avail themselves of the facilities at their Works to view the above event on April 2nd.

Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the Race, and a complete range of SALMSON models, including our Racing Cars, will be on view.

Norton Success in Brazil.

News comes from Brazil that a rider called Vittorio Coppoli, mounted on a 4.90 h.p. Norton, has won several important races and has been awarded the Championship of Velocity in the 500 c.c. class.

The Debut of a New Model.

At the Olympia Motor Cycle Show considerable interest was evinced in the new four-speed 4.88 h.p. Enfield. Like many other new models, the Enfield has taken a little time to get into production, but one of them was seen in the recent Cardiff-Leicester-Cardiff trial. This, indeed, was a most suitable occasion for a first appearance, and the machine was baptised with much water. However, it survived the ordeal, and W. F. Bicknell, the rider, made the best performance in the 600 c.c. solo class.

Royal Motor Cyclists.

motorists, there are but few of them who are motorcyclists, and it is therefore interesting to note that Archduke William of Austria has recently taken delivery of a Brough-Superior. The Archduke takes a great interest in motor-cycling activities in Austria, and has already entered his driver, Mr. Gayer, for the Grand Prix of Baden, which event Mr. Gayer won. The same Brough-Superior has also been entered in other speed events, and has won several of the smaller races. Incidentally, George Brough has also supplied an all-plated machine to his Japanese agents, and understands this is to be used by a Japanese Prince who does a lot of racing himself.

The South African T.T.

The recent reports of the South African T.T. races which have appeared call to mind the fact that one of the competitors, C. H. Young, is already well known in British racing circles. Many of the other riders are names only, but Charlie Young has already competed in the Isle of Man and has shown that he is a rider of the first water.