A Rare Make

Sir,

Following an inquiry in your magazine dated April 1973, a reader required information about a make of car named Silver Stream. After extensive enquiries I have the following information which may be of interest.

A French built 6-cylinder 3½-litre engine, gives the car 30h.p.

The total weight of the car is about 18 cwt. with a top speed of approximately 40m.p.h. The chassis and gearbox is “Malicet et Blin”. The clutch is Hele-Shaw!

The car was built as an Irish rival to the Rolls-Royce models of the time. It was the first car to be assembled in Ireland. The work began in 1906 and was completed in 1908.

The bodywork was built and the car driven by a retired engineer, Mr. Somerville Large. The car was assembled in Kilcullin, Co. Kildare, Eire.

The present owner acquired the car in June 1972 and after a few days the car was run for the first time in over 40 years.

The present owner has now restored the car to its original condition, the bodywork having deteriorated very little during its years of neglect.

The present owner lives in Portlaoise, Co. Laoise, Eire.

Burnley.

Liam Preston