| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Vitesse
United Kingdom
234 Posts |
 Posted - 13/09/2014 : 16:43:18
|
A friend in Italy is currently researching the 1934 event which is known variously as the Coppa d’Oro del Littorio/Giro d’Italia/Tour of Italy. This was a sort of quasi-Mille Miglia - but over four times the distance - and restricted to cars of which at least 100 examples had been produced. Surprisingly there seems to be no complete entry list anywhere and reports of the time are distinctly unreliable.
There were just five British entries - of which one (from Frazer Nash) was refused. There were also works entries from Aston Martin and Riley, a private Singer and Jack Harrop's private MG.
So - simple question: which MG? Was it his or his co-driver (brother?) Walter Harrop's? I'm aware of Jack Harrop's rallying exploits in an SS100 Jaguar later in the 1930s, but was a little surprised to see him quoted in an MG in 1934 - presumably he mainly ran in trials at that time? |
|
|
JMH
United Kingdom
911 Posts |
Posted - 14/09/2014 : 11:11:29
|
J2508 perhaps? J Harrop trialed & rallied this car extensively before the war.
However, though he was using the J2 in May 34, he also bought & drove PA0714 in 1934.
So, 2 possibilities.....
JH |
 |
|
|
Vitesse
United Kingdom
234 Posts |
Posted - 14/09/2014 : 13:20:24
|
Bu@@er! Why are these things never easy?  
The event in question started on May 26th, which I believe is about two or three months after the PA was launched? That would presumably give enough time to provide proof of 100 examples sold: the Frazer Nash entry was refused on the grounds that although they could prove they'd bought all the parts they hadn't actually built 100 cars to the latest specification. Aston Martin apparently played safe and sent a 1932 model!
Are there any records of the PA which could elucidate? Date of sale would perhaps be helpful - more especially if it's June or later!
|
Edited by - Vitesse on 14/09/2014 13:22:01 |
|
|
|
MaGic_GV
United Kingdom
868 Posts |
Posted - 14/09/2014 : 16:25:49
|
PA 0714 was signed off at the works on 16/4/34, and delivered (to the dealer?) on 24/4/34, J.Harrop being the first owner. It was stolen in Jan '36! Given preparation requirements, travel times etc. it is unlikely it started an event in Italy on the 26th but stranger things have happened!
Regards,
Graham
|
|
|
|
JMH
United Kingdom
911 Posts |
Posted - 14/09/2014 : 17:07:59
|
And presumably, then as now, you'd have to enter a fair bit in advance - my money's on the J2 (of course).
JH |
|
|
|
Vitesse
United Kingdom
234 Posts |
Posted - 15/09/2014 : 08:26:01
|
Thanks Graham! The J2 certainly looks to be favourite. Just as a final check, is it possible to work out a rough date when the hundredth PA was completed? The Italians seem to have been very strict on this rule.
Agreed re preparation etc - and it would have to be a very adventurous driver who committed a new and untried car to a 4000-mile event over unknown roads. 'Running in - please pass?' anybody?
One final clue, which I didn't want to reveal in order not to prejudice findings: Motor Sport did a brief report of the entries in the June 1934 issue but just said "Harrop's MG". One might assume that they'd have said 'new' or 'recently-acquired' if it was the PA. |
|
|
|
MaGic_GV
United Kingdom
868 Posts |
Posted - 15/09/2014 : 09:47:39
|
The hundredth PA seems to have been PA 0348 (two prototypes...) signed off on 24/02/34...
Regards,
Graham
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Forum Locked
Topic Locked
