Re: The Bimotore and the mid-engined V6 Alfasud

["Ian Preece" <ian_preece@domain.elided>]

Hello John,

Thanks for your comments. After further research, it seems the emblem I was
talking about is what is usually described as the radiator badge, and not
the Scuderia Ferrari racing team shield.


The badge at the top of the radiator is a shield shaped device with a small
prancing horse on it. It is certainly not an Alfa circular one. I believe
this is what's meant as the first time use. There is a head on picture in
Peter Hull's 1971 book 'Alfa Romeo' , showing Austin Dobson, the subsequent
owner in 1937, at the wheel, and the badge is quite clear. However, the
Museum replica sports an Alfa circular badge.

Austin Dobson is mentioned in the book 'The History of the Brooklands Motor
Course' by William 'Bill' Body, under the 1937 section, with descriptions of
Austin's endeavours with the car. Initially, the car was surrounded by all
sorts of rumours, such as it was only on loan, it came with Italian
mechanics, parts were sealed, even that 'Dobson was distraught because the
Brooklands silencers didn't emit enough noise'!!! By all accounts the
weakest part of the car was the brakes, which weren't up to the job, and I
also remember that the tyre wear was very high. It was a crowd pleaser, but
not very successful on the track.

My notes from a Museum visit suggest that the engines in the car were of
different sizes, which I realise now is incorrect. Two cars were built, each
with different sizes, Dobsons having 2900cc motors, Nuvolari's 3200cc units.


Ciao,

Ian

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