Ryedale.Co.Uk is very pleased to introduce this marvellous book
1908 GP ITALA A Celebration of 90 Years |
Only
obtainable from: Bridget Laycock, Briadale, 37 Scarborough Rd, Norton, Malton, North Yorks, YO17 8AA |
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by Bridget Laycock |
This marvellous book is priced at
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This wonderful book is packed full of hundreds of photos and lots of info on some great people and even greater cars, but mostly the ITALA 1908
INTRODUCTION
When my father saw a book of tractor photographs that I had put together he immediately suggested to me that I put together a similar styled book of photos about Sam and the Itala, From these beginnings this book has evolved.
For almost as long as I can remember the Itala has been a member of the Williamson stable, my father being asked to take over the working half on the untimely death of (Dr) Bob Ewen. I well remember being allowed to clean the radiator (I rather think that someone else gave it a final polish when I was safely out of the way) and on race days sitting next to Sam high above the other cars as we drove to Silverstone. What a way to travel!!
Sam was a long time family friend and as a young girl I can remember running into the lounge at home to announce 'Dinner' saying 'Daddy, Sam, oh I mean Mr Glutton'. Whereupon Sam turned to father and said that there was
no reason for me to call him Mr Glutton as everyone else called him Sam. So it was and the next generation called him Sam from the cradle.
Built for the 1908 Grand Prix that was held in France on the Dieppe circuit, the race was 10 laps and over 480 miles. The car was driven by Cagno and finished Ilth out of 47 starters. (Sam always maintained that one of the reasons the car survived was because of its low finish.) The Itala also competed in the USA in 1908.
Around 1909 it was acquired by Mr H.T.L. Young and in his ownership was used on the roads and raced at Brooklands. A lap of over 100mph being timed when driven by Mr R Wil-de-Gose, After the war it was given to a friend in Norfolk, Mr Pole bought it from this friend, (who had been terrified of the car) and drove it at the VSCC's speed trial at Aston Clinton in 1935. Seeing and thinking it to be most impressive Sam was able to buy the car in the Spring of 1936, winning his first VSCC award with it on Ilth July the same year. In 1937 Mr Wil-de-Gose saw a film report of Shelsley and the Itala, he got in touch with Sam and as a result helped fill in the gaps of the history. After the war he was persuaded to drive the car, the first time since 1914. I believe that it was Mr Wil-de-Gose that I met when I was with Sam and the car at the first Brooklands reunion during the 1960's.
It is evident from the photos and comments, also the time I spent being a passenger to Sam that he had great fun with and tremendous pleasure from the car during the 55 years that they were together. Indeed there are many stories to recount both about Sam and the car, but let's the photographs tell the story of 90 years of a grand old lady and some ofABOVE COLOUR PHOTO: Jack driving Sam up Shelsley
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