The history of the Lambert.

The history of the Lambert. reference to

SIR,-With. reference to my request for information about the LambertSpecial (August issue, page 469), thanks to you I have since been enabled to meet the builder of this car, and I think that a few more details may be of interest.

The engine is an early racing Sunbeam unit, which is said to have been used at Brooklands, and of which type only about six were built. The rockers are of “V ” ,shape, pivotted at the leg of the “V,” the arms bearing on the cams and threading over short tappets, respectively. They do not thread over the valve-stems as originally stated. Lubrication is by twin oil-pumps.

About eight years ago this engine came into the hands of Mr. W. Lambert, and .enthusiast whose experiences go hack as far as the days of hot-tube ignition, and who is now at the Hampstead Cylinder Re-boring Co.

At about the same time Mr. Lambert .acquired an M.A.B. chassis, this chassis having previously been owned by the Vici Carburetter Co., for testing engines which this concern had decided to produce. This chassis had many special features, including ” M ” section side-members, and a coupling-linkage between the front and rear springs.

Into this chassis Mr. Lambert installed the Sunbeam engine, mounted on a cradle held by four bolts. He built a very substantial 4 seater body. The bonnet alone ‘contained nearly 150 rivets. The engine used to oil-up badly via the inlet guides, but this was overcome.

The car was first registered in April, 1926. It was considerably under-geared, but would do 75-80 m.p.h. The controls in the centre of the steering wheel came from an Alvis used at the Track for tyretesting by Paul Dutoit, and the radiator was specially made.

W. BODDY. 13, Hillier Road, S.W.11.

Is this ” Whistling Rufus.” reference to Mr.

SIR,—With reference to Mr. letter on special cars ; the Berliet’Whistling Rufus’ or a specially built Berliet is now reposing in a garage at

Billingham.

The engine is six cylinder of 11 litre capacity. The valves are operated by a single o.h.c. The final drive is chain.

They claim that the car when in the possession of a certain Count de Boski attained a speed within a few m.p.h. of the world’s speed record in ’23. They bought the machine in Nottingham and drove it part of the way under its own power. The constant starting from rest however completely stripped a

universal coupling. It has once been driven during the last

year for a film, and they experienced great trouble in starting it up, no less than seven fire extinguishers were used in the process. They had too much pressure on the petrol forced feed.

A fact which strikes me as being rather curious is that there is a dickey seat fitted. Fancy sitting in the dickey at a ‘ gentle ‘ 130 m.p.h. ” Ashtrees,”

Billingham-on-Tees, Durham.

W. P. WOOD.

Traffic Lights.

siR,-Action is foreshadowed to deal with the delays and accidents which, in many cases, are found to be due not only to the confusion between traffic lights and other neighbouring coloured lights but also to temporary invisibility of the former.

The usual situation of traffic lights at cross-roads frequently involves their obscuration by other vehicles from drivers vehicles on the off side, and the placing of the posts on the pavements on the corners is, at times, an obstruction.

I venture to suggest that the light signals would be far better displayed by suspension at a more generally visible height, to clear all vehicles, in the manner which has proved so successful for street lighting in many parts of London.

At cross-roads one suitably designed four-compartment lantern, with the three coloured lights in each face, would serve each avenue of approach. The wiring of the controls would be more simple than with individual posts, visibility would be good over a considerable distance and confusion between the coloured traffic lights and any other coloured lights should be impossible.

Incidentally, the cost of installation would be considerably less than with the present multiplicity of posts.

ALEXANDER DUCKHAM. :Duckham House,

16, Cannon Street, E.C.4.

A Renovated “30/98.”

SIR,—I think some of your readers may be interested in the subject of the enclosed photograph. The car is a 1920, 30-98 h.p. Vauxhall which I have considerably modernised. The steering wheel has been lowered five inches enabling the scuttle to be extended approximately twelve inches.

A special floor board had to be made, and the front seats are now placed further back than originally.

‘1 he fitting of racing windscreens and cycle wings has added to its modern and sporting appearance. It is amazingly fast-66 m.p.h. on 3rd and 90 m.p.h. on top gear. The acceleration is phenomenal and is greater than

that of a friend’s modern sports car of similar horse power. I change the engine oil every 1,000 miles and in the interim find it unnecessary to add any. Petrol consumption is 22 m.p.g. when driven at an average speed of 35 m.p.h., but increases to 18 m.p.g. when driven fast.

I shall be very pleased to hear from any 30-98 enthusiasts who would care to examine the alterations which have been made.

Congratulations upon your excellent journal. My only criticism is that it ought to be obtainable weekly.

A. S. THWAITES.

28, Swinburne Road, Darlington.

Alpine Trial Reflections.

SIR,—I have just read with enthusiasm and pride of the sweeping successes of British light cars in the Alpine Trial. Whilst being fully aware that there are no ” ifs” or ” huts” in competition. I cannot help reflecting with a pang of regret that, ” if ” Thorpe had not been so unfortunate as to bend his front axle on the Stelvio, Frazer Nashes would have put up far and away the best team performance in the trial, with a loss of only seven points. However, that’s all the luck of the game I suppose, and other competitors had their ups and downs just the same. In any case, ” Aldy’s ” magnificent, unpenalised run, must be a big consolation to Frazer Nashes, and it certainly is a fine achievement when one remembers that the only other two cars to equal this performance were an Alfa Romeo and a Bugatti. I was extremely interested in your description the other week of a certain

gentleman’s pictorial record of motor racing. I have been doing this myself for some years, and have a very complete record of all the home and continental events of the last ten years. In the pursuit of this hobby which I find amazingly absorbing, MOTOR SPORT is invaluable, and I don’t think I have missed an issue since the ” Brooklands Gazette.” I get my continental photos from the Englebert Magazine. Wishing you continued success.• REGINALD MILES. 4, High Street,

Fordington, Dorchester.