Ancient mariner

Sir,

Please would it be possible to make an appeal for help. to the readers of Motor Sport, in trying to trace a racing marine engine that was used in the first of a number of special sports cars constructed by a Mr Dick Shattock in 1947.

The engine was a 1-1/2-litre dohc Brooke built by J W Brooke & Co of Lowestoft circa 1924 and quite possibly used in the racing hydroplane ‘Bulldog’.

I have managed to trace Mr Shattock who told me the details of building the original car, called an RGS Atalanta.

I gather that the Brooke was troublesome so a 1-1/2-litre Lea Francis was also used, both engines being sold with the car, but unfortunately Mr Shattock can’t remember to whom.

An article was carried in Thoroughbred and Classic Cars in May 1975 on the RGS Atalanta specials and the original car was listed as being built in 1947, registration MMX 343.

A friend remembers seeing the car for sale in the 1950s, still with the Brooke motor, and I just wonder if any of your readers have any knowledge of the car or the engine and could help to establish whether it has survived to the present day?

The DVLC had no record of the registration number, and hasn’t had for the past 18 years, so maybe it was broken up many years ago. However I would be most grateful to hear of any information and thank you for your assistance.

ST Mills, Moe-Ra, Trent Lock, Long Eaton, Notts.