FOR RichB AND David W.

[Jon39]

I have watched some enjoyable DVDs, called 'A GENTLEMAN'S MOTOR RACING DIARY'. It is about motor racing in the 1950s, and was filmed by Mr. John Tate (born into the sugar dynasty and a Spitfire pilot during World War II).

The aspect that will be of interest to you both, is John Tate drove to each race meeting (UK and Europe), in his much loved 1952 Aston Martin DB2/4 registration SPD 398. I think the car still exists. The Aston does appear many times in the films.

[David W.]

Thanks Jon. Will do some research on him, interesting as I am a suger beet farmer supplying British Sugar, the competition to Tate & Lyle :-)
dw

[Paul Leek]

Did anyone discover whether SPD 398 does indeed still exist? I bought this set when it was first issued on VHS as a numbered edition. I think it must have been close on 15 years ago. I've since bought the DVD versions, and still watch them.

It's not just the major events and venues together with the journeys and accommodation which are so fascinating. It's the club events, Farnborough Airshow footage etc. which give so much flavour of the period. It's a little bit like the way the adverts in vintage Motor Sport/Autosport magazines help provide the context.

I've just watched the opening of the first DVD documenting the trip to Le Mans in '53. In gunmetal grey with red painted wire wheels, yellow continental headlights, an impressive display on the badge bar and GB letters in chrome, I've always thought the car looks just right.

Edited by Paul Leek on Friday 31st July 12:11

Edited by Paul Leek on Friday 31st July 12:12

Edited by Paul Leek on Wednesday 5th August 08:11

[paul1962]

Yep, the car is still around. According to a reg check site it's on a Blue 1952 DB2/DB4 and is currently insured.

Edited by paul1962 on Friday 31st July 14:12

[Jon39]

paul1962 said:

The reg is still on a DB2 and it's insured so must be around somewhere

I am intrigued how you found that.
I tried the registration into the DVLA and tyre vendors websites, but nothing appeared.

[paul1962]

The following will give the make, model, colour, date etc

https://www.instantcarcheck.co.uk/

There is another site which gives a bit more info but I can't find it ATM.

[Jon39]

Thank you Paul.

I see that it is a chargeable enquiry.
I like free on the internet, then I can put my pennies towards a second Aston Martin. -

signed - Jack Benny. -

Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 2nd August 16:33

[paul1962]

I've not looked at the chargeable stuff.
For free you get make/model/year/colour/fuel/body type, which is more than most sites give.

Free is good but it'll take a lot of pennies to buy your second Aston.

I've not bought my first Aston yet, funds are there and I hope to start seriously searching in a month or two

Edited by paul1962 on Sunday 2nd August 20:36

[Jon39]

Thank you Paul.

I must have misunderstood the website that you highlighted.
Will look again. Perhaps they make the fee very prominent, but the free information less obvious. Either that, or I need glasses!

Good luck finding your perfect Aston Martin.
They are wonderful cars, and the owners are so passionate about them, which you will already have discovered through this forum. After buying mine, I gradually learnt more about the Company, it's history, the cars, the racing, and all the people who put money in to try repeatedly to save the business. Every chapter is fascinating.

[Paul Leek]

I thought you might like to see the Hotel D'Espagne at Mamers where John Tate stayed for his early Le Mans trips. This was on Sunday - it's completely restored and is a private residence, I believe.