Turn of the century, possibly race car

[64pontiac]

Any idea what this is ? I'm guessing it is European and early 1900s.

[Dave Henderson]

Simplex?

[Terry Harper]

Big Mercedes Aircraft engine - 1921 version of Zeborowski's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" under construction or repair.

 

Edited December 2, 2023 by Terry Harper (see edit history)

[E_Johnson]

The photo is most likely from the 1940s or 1950s based on the wide lapel suit the gentleman is wearing.

[3macboys]

12 hours ago, Terry Harper said:

Big Mercedes Aircraft engine - 1921 version of Zeborowski's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" under construction or repair.

You sent me down the rabbit hole of Google, but I'm happy to report that I learned something factual - Ian Fleming of James Bond fame was the author of the book!  So a series of 3 cars led to a book that led to a movie.  

Edited December 3, 2023 by 3macboys (see edit history)

[intimeold]

Maybe we all should wear a tie, when we adjust the valves, or do anything under the rocker cover.

[Casper Friederich]

4 hours ago, 3macboys said:

You sent me down the rabbit hole of Google, but I'm happy to report that I learned something factual - Ian Fleming of James Bond fame was the author of the book!  So a series of 3 cars led to a book that led to a movie.  

In fact Ian Fleming was racing driver Donald Healey's co-pilot on the 1932 Alpine Trial

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/driving-donald-healeys-monte-winning-invicta-low-chassis

https://scarfandgoggles.wordpress.com/2015/12/09/flemings-first-assignment/

[64pontiac]

Thank you all. This had been bugging me for ages. Funnily enough a friend was telling me about 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' the other week and it didn't even enter my head to look at it.

 

 

[James Long]

I am fairly sure that the gentleman in the suit is Peter Harris-Mayes, who found Zborowski's  Chitty Bang Bang semi-derelict in a garage in Kent (SE England) after WW2 and rebuilt it enough to run effectively.

[64pontiac]

Thanks for that James, always nice to get a name to the person.

[Vintman]

In one of the recent posts relative to an Itala, it was mentioned that the photo had been from the collection of UKs late Tim Harding, author and auto historian. I just happened to be going through one of his books on another subject and came across this which may enhance the subject.

 

Vintman  (UK)

www.svvs.org