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Best of France and Italy 2011

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One of our favorite shows is the “Best of France and Italy”, held every year on the grounds of Woodley Park in the L.A. area. It is low key, a true enthusiasts gathering, and brings out a great variety of unusual French, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian and Czechoslovakian cars. Don Hodgdon was there for us.[Ed.]

Story and photos by Don Hodgdon

Rain was falling when I woke up Sunday morning, but it passed through quickly and I left Santa Barbara under sunny skies. I had thought twice about heading down to Woodley Park, having my doubts that anyone would show up. While the numbers were down from past years, considering the rain there was a good group of cars. Alfas and Fiats, along with a healthy group of Citroens made up the bulk of the show, and I think there were almost as many Tatras (3) as there were Ferraris.
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Exclusive Discount for our Premium Members

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If you are a Premium Subscriber, or have just signed up, you are eligible for a 20% discount off the price of $49.00 for the new book, “Watkins Glen, The Street Years, 1948-1952”, PLUS free domestic shipping. And it’s easy. Just send me an email at pete@velocetoday.com letting me know if you would like your copy. Read Review.

If you are NOT a member, subscribe to our Premium Service now and ALSO receive a Free Watkins Glen CD while supplies last! Click below for details.

Watkins Glen Memoirs Part 7: Epilogue

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In 1956 Dad sold the Squire but not before I was able to use it to pursue the lovely Mary, the first girl that I dated that he really dug and deemed Squire-worthy. He would say.”If you are going to see Mary, take the Squire!” What a deal that was! Mary and I have been married for nearly 56 years leading me to believe that it wasn’t all Squire that swung the deal. Dad was the best man at my wedding as he was at my brother’s.

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Chapter from “They Started in MGs”: Otto Linton

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otto linton oscaAbove: Otto Linton in the rare 2000S OSCA serial number 2006.

Special Notice:Otto Linton will be the guest speaker at a VSCCA Luncheon, December 4th, in Somers NY. Contact frankrighetti33@aol.com for details.

“I raced an MG in 1948 at Watkins Glen,” says driver Otto Linton. “It was a J4, the only one in the United States and it’s now back in the UK. “ As described in the book The Story of the MG Sports Car, the 1933 J4 was “too fast for most drivers.” The car had essentially the same body that would cover MG frames until 1955, except no doors. Mechanically, it had a 4-cylinder OHC engine of 750cc displacement, supercharged, with one large SU carburetor and a four speed transmission with a remote shift lever and lock-out reverse. It was built in 1933 in a special production of only 9 cars, at the same time as the more famous K3 Magnette with the same design engine but of 6 cylinder configuration – 30 of these were built and only sold to customer competition drivers.

MG-J4

Linton's MG J4 in 1945.

Like many other drivers in that first race of the new sports car era – Bill Milliken, race organizer Cam Argetsinger, Denver Cornett and George Weaver, Otto posted a DNF in the event, with Haig Ksayian going on to take the win in the MG class. “I just had that one race in ’48,” says Otto, “plus a couple of hill climbs in 1949.” [Read more…] about Chapter from “They Started in MGs”: Otto Linton

Watkins Glen Memoirs Part 6: 1952

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Following the 1951 event Dad began once again to look at the classified section of the Motor. He always went first to the ‘S’ section in the hope that he might spot another SS100.

It was during one of those wistful searches that he came cross the magic name: Squire.
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Musings at the Mullin

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Photo by Hugues Vanhoolandt.

As we have all learned, Eric Davison has been around cars for a very long time, from his Watkins Glen days with his father to haunting car and art museums with his wife. So when we found he was going to the Mullin, we asked him to bring back a report on something off the beaten path. Said Davison of the assignment after he returned, “It sounds so very easy but when you are in the Mullin Museum and basically overwhelmed by the magnificence of the cars and of the building’s French decor and the general ambience, the task becomes more complicated.” So did he succeed and bring back a few surprises? We think so—
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Watkins Glen Memoirs Part 5: 1951

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Within a few weeks Dad was contacted by the person who had left the note on our SS100. He was serious about wanting the car. While Dad had not contemplated selling, he was bitterly disappointed by the fact that he did not get to race at the Glen. He named a price, one that covered the purchase price, the paint job and a small profit. The car was sold and one Saturday a mechanic showed up and with Dad’s help, replaced the rod bearing and drove off.

Fortunately I had convinced Dad to do a painting of the car and I was the recipient of a magnificent rendition of DWU 834, a lasting memento of the car and of his talents.

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