Tough treatment

Sir,

I enjoyed reading Jack Marshall’s letter about George Clark’s variety act using an Austin Seven in the mid-twenties. The highlight of this show was the playing of a medley of popular tunes of the day on the gearbox; this was done by partially holding out the clutch and moving the gear lever; the tunes could be easily recognised too! It was said at the time that he used the same car for normal motoring to and from the theatres at which he put on this remarkable performance and that cotton wool soaked in petrol supplied the mixture as the safety precautions for stage acts did not allow a quantity of petrol to be used in the tank; it is difficult to believe that even an Austin Seven could have been quite so economical on fuel.

Some four or five years ago I bought an early Austin Seven for only £10, it was used every day for 18 months including a trip to France, it never faltered and was finally sold at a loss of only £2 on the purchase price.

I have read Motor Sport regularly since 1926.

Bob Burgess.
Pembury.