History Auto racing 1894-1942

The Whitney Straight Maserati is currently in Peter Giddings' collection. He describes the car as "the most difficult he has driven". It is probably why we don't see it on the track often. He told me of his seeing this car, as a young boy; and thinking it the epitome of a race car.

I've run against this car. It's very, very fast; and Peter does a superb job.

 

Thanks Old Dawg, I believe the Whitney Straight car restoration was a rather drawn out one, the original engine was in another car, and an exchange had to be arranged. It sure looks and sounds great at the Fall Festival at Lime Rock Park on Labor Day weekend.

 

Whitney Straight at Shelsley





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more Shelsley





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This was Sig in his Maxwell in 1917.

 

Is Michael Ferner still on this thread?
HG

 

Welcome!! So thrilled you can join us.

As you probably well know, there is alot of misinformation regarding Sig scattered throughout the wonderful world that is the internet so Please! Please! share with us the story of your famous grandfather.

 

Sorry the photo quality is so poor, this is a recent postcard made from a photo of two race cars in Bethlehem, Connecticut. The #33 has MILLER SPECIAL on the frame rail, note the left hand exhaust. I can't find the photo, but think fred Farmer ran a #33 MILLER out of Philadelphia in the early 1930's, and would like to confirm this. The #3 looks like it is 4 cylinder powered.

 

It's certainly Whitney's car, but I'm 99% sure this picture was taken during a practice session and that it's actually Dick Seaman having an unofficial run. Straight was as punctilious about his appearance as Raymond Mays and 'Bira' and always wore both a helmet and white overalls. This chap's in a leather or cloth helmet and shirtsleeves (with tie!) Compare the driving style to pictures of Seaman in an ERA or the Delage.

 

Whitney Straight.

Reasonable article and some additional photos (including East London, South Africa and Brooklands with dual rear wheels) on the link:

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/race_drivers_whitney_willard_straight.htm

 

some more Shelsley




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Someone tell me the cars please

 

GN's

Grand Prix de BOULOGNE 1921




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Shelsley 1935

 

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Shelsey..... May 1935