Matters of moment, March 1965

B.M.C. Achievements

Congratulations to the British Motor Corporation for producing a Mini-Cooper (Castrol-lubricated, Dunlop-shod and retarded when necessary by Ferodo) capable of winning outright one of the toughest-ever Monte Carlo Rallies and, at the opposite extreme, finding 1,000,000 customers for this famous car and its derivatives.

Variety in racing

In the past we have criticised too many races, all of much the same sort. So we welcome a move this coming season to promote new races of an interesting character. The T.T. goes to Oulton Park, and in spite of a rest mid-way, will involve the cars in a mere four hours’ racing. Snetterton hopes to have a 24-hour Race at the end of the season, in a Le Mans atmosphere. The “200” is to be revived at Silverstone by the B.A.R.C. at 2.40 p.m. on March 20th, although its title now implies kilometres, not miles, for 1-litre F2 racing cars, sponsored by Gallaher Ltd. as a Senior Service Meeting with supporting races for saloon, sports, GT and F3 cars, from 11 a.m. onwards, and the British G.P. returns to this circuit. Such variety, with other long-distance races in the offing is to be welcomed; we deal with the types of cars you will see in action on page 177.

One disappointment is that Goodwood, which is often called the modern Brooklands, will fade out in favour of horse-racing activities after early July—neither horse-racing, nor bicycle racing (which was held there), ever threatened Brooklands, which even survived one World War, only to be wrecked by the aircraft industry in the Hitler War. However, if Goodwood has partially run out on them, the B.A.R.C. has a busy programme; the meetings at Silverstone, Mallory Park, Oulton Park, Brands Hatch, Castle Combe, Crystal Palace and Croft.

Motor racing, which commenced in 1895, has never faded away however adverse the political or financial situation, although it has paused while wars have been fought. But it has reached the doldrums at times. In the face of slumps and party uncertainties the 1965 season, which opens at Brands Hatch and Goodwood on the 13th of this month, looks exceedingly promising. Our advice to you is to make the most of it, boys and girls, while racing is in the ascendant.

Liège Rally cancelled

The demise of the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, apparently to humour Yugoslavian tourists is regrettable, particularly as it could be a straw in the wind fanned by public opinion.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

You do not need an old car to take in the V.S.C.C. fixture on March 27-28th. This Pomeroy Memorial Trophy to decide the best all-round touring car is open to cars of 1918-1965.

Indianapolis holiday

We understand that Motoring News and Trans-World Airlines will run a two-week tour to the United States, to watch the “500” race at Indianapolis. Following this will be visits to Ford and General Motors, a trip to Canada for the Players “200” at Mosport, and a visit to the World’s Fair at New York (an alternative to the Canadian trip being one to the Spring Nationals of the N.H.R.A. at the Bristol, Tennessee, International Dragway). The cost will be approximately £249 per person inclusive. Full details will appear in the March 4th issue of Motoring News so make sure of your copy by placing an order with your newsagent NOW.

New Townsend Ferry

On January 29th Free Enterprise II, the latest Townsend Ferry, slid into the water in the port of Rotterdam. Before mid-May this ship will be helping to transport 2,500 cars and their passengers each day between Dover and Calais.

The ship has been designed with very great care for speed of loading and unloading. To get on and off more quickly, cars drive straight through, rear loading at Dover and bow disembarking at Calais. The fact that the ship can run into Calais bow first will save as much as six minutes on the sea crossing.

Stabilisers to cut roll, bars and shops on the main deck and a restaurant to seat 200 cater for passenger comforts. A bow rudder and a bow thrust propeller will enable the ship to dock quickly and easily, whilst the 4,000-h.p. main engines are controlled by the Master from the bridge.

Even as Mrs. Nott was launching the Free Enterprise II, work in the same shipyard was under way on Free Enterprise Ill which will be in service by 1966. To ensure the same courteous attention passengers have come to expect on the Free Enterprise I some experienced members of this ship’s crew will be transferred to the new ship when she goes into operation. — M.J.T.