05-02-2020, 12:18 AM
Great minds think alike? Firstly, Congrats to Robin and Martin for bringhing the great photo to us. But the shot reminded me of a prominent Austin Seven driver in Oz in the 30s and after the war, named Doug Head. He told me of when he competed in the South Australian Grand Prix in 1934 that he was approached by George Smith who had brought the Duck racer over from NZ to take part. Smith complained that the Duck wouldn't get around the hairpin bend at the end of the circuit. Head took it for a drive and said he was doing over 100 mph down the straight, but Smith was correct - the car didn't have enough lock. He claimed they modified the rear of the front fairing with the back of an axe, problem solved and I have the photos to prove it. Seems the same problem had already been solved at Donington. Present owner Grant Cowie said he would retain the dents when he restored his I have a photo of me in the car but can't recall if the dents are still there. Incidentally, Grant's car is No. 1012, so it's not the same car. Today's useless trivia. Cheers, Bill in Oz