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Post by alankingston on Apr 1, 2007 7:11:25 GMT 1
Inspired by the story of Burt Munro in the film “The World’s Fastest Indian” I have decided to attempt to become the driver of the “World’s Fastest Standard”.
I wonder if any members have, or can help me find, a supercharger for my 1947 Eight Tourer? Perhaps a Rootes type as used on the Blower Bentleys? I would also like to set up a nitro fuel system to give some extra power.
Obviously, with all that extra power I might need some help with the brakes. I thought that I could use two umbrellas (the automatic type). When I start braking I could simply hold the umbrellas behind me, press the buttons, and the additional drag would draw me to a stop.
Having read the details of this year’s International Rally, I feel Cambridgeshire has the ideal terrain for my record attempt. The record attempt will take place on the A10. I am hoping that the occasion will be similar to the land speed record runs by Auto Union, on the German autobahns in the 1930s.
Let’s give Britain something to be proud of and get behind my plans. After the disappointments of the World Cup, the Ashes, and Tim Henman we need a success story, and this could be it!
Happy April 1st., Alan
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Post by webmaster on Apr 1, 2007 7:53:32 GMT 1
Good idea, Cambridgeshire is ideal for this as it must be the flatest part of the country. ( And this will be the fastest route out of the place!)
I'll raise it at the AGM today to see if we can get technical and financial support from the club!
The 8 Tourer is the ideal platform for this as the lack of a roof and unneccessary door glass will reduce the weight. I suggest you strip out the passenger and rear seats and door trims. It can also run without the bonnet which will improve the breathing and cooling. Another suggestion I have, to complement your efforts in building the car, is that we invite some professional help to "pilot" the car. You are too precious to us Alan, but Richard Hammond has proved how fearless he is in this type of situation, so lets get him. That of course will ensure a feature on "Top Gear", give more publicity and boost membership of the Standard Motor Club at the same time.
Lets make it a real "Flying" Standard, I'm sure Jeremy will have it at the refrigerated end of his "cool" wall.
Do any other members have any suggestions today?
Phil
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Post by tinawalker on Apr 2, 2007 11:30:16 GMT 1
;D ;D ;D  . MY MY- Alan you should try a brake parachute from a lightening fighter - that ought to do the trick as a stopper. But why use a supercharger just try rocket power!!Knowing the A10 you don't stand much chance of a record as almost everything on that road travels nearly supersonic already. Ho Ho. ;D  Tina |
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Post by herald948 on Apr 2, 2007 15:12:25 GMT 1
Alan, surely I can help round up support from Standard (and Triumph) owners here in the US, should you be serious enough about this to consider using the Bonneville Salt Flats for your run. Meanwhile, I suspect the umbrella idea has merit, but do not let the Disney folks hear about this, as they might attempt to extract licensing fees for the idea (you know, that Mary Poppins thing....). Personally, I think a "chopped top" Standard 8 saloon would be a far better choice for serious record-setting attempts....  |
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Post by alankingston on Apr 2, 2007 15:38:00 GMT 1
Thank you for the interest and support. I had thought about some sort of rocket propulsion for initial acceleration. I did wonder about contacting the Standard Fireworks Company of Huddersfield and exploring the feasibility of inserting a rocket up the exhaust pipe (the car's, not mine). Once Richard Hammond gave the signal, I would light the blue touch paper and retire (I could do with a rest).
Regards, Alan
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Post by Ian Leggett on Apr 2, 2007 23:08:29 GMT 1
Well I missed all the fun of this banter Alan. However I shall have the priviledge of seeing it for real. Pat Ging is bringing his 8 from Ireland also and that shifts along.There is also a local 8a with the nickname Winnie. Perhaps if we put a blue light on the roof it will ensure the cars up front get out of the way. Look forward to seeing you all in the flat county. Regards Ian.
Ps. As Herald 948 mentioned Disney do we have any Standard owners in Florida who look in on this website as I shall be in Disney in September and would like to meet up with anyone with a real car who lives there, and do not take the "mickey".
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Post by herald948 on Apr 3, 2007 13:11:59 GMT 1
...do we have any Standard owners in Florida who look in on this website as I shall be in Disney in September and would like to meet up with anyone with a real car who lives there, and do not take the "mickey". Ian, check "VTR Chapters" on the VTR web site <http://www.vtr.org>, as there are five Triumph clubs in the state of Florida. Offhand, I don't know of any Standard owners amongst the members of those clubs, but it's certainly possible. |
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Post by 1957steve on Apr 4, 2007 18:39:33 GMT 1
Hi Alan,
Having tried to keep up with the pace on the Bournemouth road run in my vintage Standard, I suspect you may have already had these mods done without telling anyone!!!. (only joking!)
Best wishes,Steve
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Post by Ian Leggett on Apr 4, 2007 21:54:49 GMT 1
Thanks for the Florida info I will follow up that lead. Regards ian.
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Post by sportsman on Apr 12, 2007 1:17:15 GMT 1
Our racing Jaguar eating Vanguard developed 120 bhp ( on twin S Us)at the rear wheels,a top speed of excess of 125 mph,using a high ratio diff 4.55-1 i believe. 0-60 time of under 6 secounds we believed at the time this was the Worlds fastest Standard Vanguard !
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Post by Ian Leggett on Apr 12, 2007 22:34:21 GMT 1
Hi Sportsman Do you have any photos of this car in action. Regards Ian
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Post by sportsman on Apr 12, 2007 23:57:44 GMT 1
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Post by ianhowell on Apr 13, 2007 17:08:49 GMT 1
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Post by Ian Leggett on Apr 13, 2007 22:21:02 GMT 1
Hi ianhowell, Thats a very good item, someone has a good imagination. regards Ian.
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Tina
