CRITICISM OF "BLUE BIRD"

CRITICISM OF BLUE BIRD”

Sir,—May I ask for a little space to set down a question that has long puzzled me ?

In recent articles that have appeared in various papers, both Sir Malcolm Campbell and Mr. Reid Railton have stressed the need for colossal horse-power if, the World’s Speed Record is to be raised to 300 m.p.h.

Hence the huge frame, massive gear-box and transmission required, lead to a car of Blue Bird’s weight and size.

They are so emphatic (as are all English designers) on this tremendous power output being required that I am tempted to suspect that Blue Bird is about to years out of date.

When the late Sir Henry Segrave achieved 200 m.p.h. we were told that t,000 h.p. was imperative for this speed.

Now there are cars doing 200 m.p.h. every week, with a brake horsepower of 350-500, and weighing 15 cwt.

The bi-motor Alfa-Romeo in road racing trim is capable of 225 m.p.h., so for record work, pulling a higher gear, etc., she would get around 250 m.p.h.

If Auto-Union ever fit two engines into a single chassis weighing about 25 cwt., heaven help Sir Malcohn’s record. Finally I would stress that I have a profound admiration for Sir Malcolm Campbell as a driver, while holding the definite view that he is blindly following an out-of-date myth ; and that our designers are trying to drag down better men to their own antiquated level (witness the

G.P. formula trouble in this country), rather than follow in the foot-steps of those who have paved the way for ultra high speeds with engines that are at least within measurable distance of every day size. I am, Yours, etc.,

JOHN V. HEATES. ” Greengates,”

Burnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, Surrey. * *