AC & Monte Carlo Rally Classique - More Photos!

[ACOCArch]

January 2016 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Hon Victor Bruce's first ever British win in the Monte Carlo Rally, driving an AC Six 'Aceca'.
   
   The photograph below is of the AC in the Cairngorms, shortly after the start at John O'Groats. The photograph is by Bruce's co-driver WJ Brunell, courtesy Mrs Wendy Grimmond.
   
   More to come in the February 2016 ACtion Archive!
   
   
   
   To mark the anniversary of this remarkable achievement David Hescroff's AC Six has been entered in the 2016 Monte Carlo Rally Classique. Also starting at John O'Groats, the car will be driven by Bruce's grandson  Michael Grimmond and David's nephew Robert Hescroff.
   
   We wish them good luck and every success
   

[BE774]

Great picture. Is this the Kitty Brunell Monte car which she drove single handedly?

[MkIV Lux]

Superb picture! Thanks for sharing, John!

[ACOCArch]

quote:We wish them good luck and every success

   First Progress Report!
   
   AM Friday 29th January
   'Great send off from John O'Groats and Paisley. Some sleet, mainly rain. Now in France after crossing via Folkestone following a ferry cancellation.'
   
   Fingers crossed!!
   
   

[ACOCArch]

quote:Originally posted by ACOCArch
   

We wish them good luck and every success

   Second Progress Report!
   
   AM Saturday 30th January
   'Now south of Lyons. Heavy early morning fog replaced by sunshine
   Magneto problem yesterday fixed with the help of Team Riley
   All fingers crossed'

[ACOCArch]

quote:Originally posted by ACOCArch
   

Originally posted by ACOCArch
   

We wish them good luck and every success

   Third Progress Report!
   
   1658 hrs Saturday 30th January
   'We have arrived in Monte Carlo!'
   
   Brilliant news and a great achievement. Well done to drivers Michael and Robert, and to their supporting crew David, David, Wendy and Richard.
   

[Old Crock]

quote:Originally posted by BE774
   
Great picture. Is this the Kitty Brunell Monte car which she drove single handedly?
   

W J (Bill) Brunell competed frequently in rallies and trials. He was a professional photographer whose motoring work featured his private motoring and many motorsport events. Many shots portray the tranquil cottages and villages of Britain (with a car in the foreground) and his motorsport photos capture the atmosphere of the rallies and, of course, the racing at Brooklands in the 1920's and 30's. Five thousand of his negatives, mostly on glass, are at the National Motor Museum and others are still offered by motoring libraries. I highly recommend a book that depicts the time; 'The Golden Age of British Motoring' by Roy Bacon (on the work of W J Brunell). All shots are by Bill Brunell, including many AC's. I paid 0.99p for a copy recently on Ebay!
   
   Kitty Brunell was his daughter. Taking after her father she loved cars and competed through the late 20's and early 30's driving many marques. At the age of 16 she entered the 1928 Monte Carlo Rally driving a Singer Junior, then in 1929 and 1930 Roesch Talbot 14/45's, first a Sportsman's Coupe then a four door (therefore, not an AC). She won though the RAC Rally, a great achievement, in 1933 - the only woman to ever won – driving a 1933 AC Ace!

[BE774]

Yes of course, I was getting confused with Mildred Bruce - brainfade, I'm afraid! Thanks.

[Classicus]

Absolutely amazing congratulations to both drivers and crew !! Very well done... [8D]

[Old Crock]

quote:Originally posted by BE774
   
Great picture. Is this the [Mildred Bruce] Monte car which she drove single handedly?

Different cars:
   
   The 1926 entry - Hon. Victor Bruce's car was a two-door drophead (top, above).
   The 1927 entry - Hon Mrs Victor Bruce's car was a four-door saloon.

[ACOCArch]

quote:Originally posted by ACOCArch

   Hundreds of still photographs of the AC and other competitors at John O'Groats and Paisley on the following link:
   
   https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottish_classic__car_clubs/albums/72157663891723461
   
   and some video on this link:
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-08Zhhpmfs

[Old Crock]

Below, an interesting picture of AC historical interest as it was taken by W J (Bill) Brunell (see above) and it shows his daughter Kitty Brunell (see above), with her MG at the Scottish Rally, talking to S F Edge, ex. Governing Director of AC Cars
   
   
   Second photo, two AC's at the Hastings Rally. Kitty Brunell on the right in a 1933 model and the car on the left from c.1927 (though headlamps have been mounted higher)
   

[Andrey1976b]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374237809715?hash=item57224fcc33:g:52wAAOSwWxNYtCcL&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoN9fl3dAWX880F3mVtRIQVlFVwWQbgqHb8ndFx0cpRcGRoUokj4SI74Hp%2B15R%2FnbsJhPsoVWZfZ5NlN9xwoIbX2Feba3PuggPGExzfC9Q5vjVX5pL%2FLJn3wGJEROrssLwHHaDuafwsWjIvVu9vFwfLh2FlwouENWMs%2FTNDwgxO7jQw8ZS0AxGqcSjK8XcyoMpmg22GSi4Xwyu5G4ut6TnH4%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7i3i5_iYA

[Old Crock]

That doesn't look like an AC....