Jul 11, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: Auto Racing Was Wildly Dangerous in the '30s—And a Lot More Fun

The Motoring Picture Library
01
Donington Park 13th May 1933. Austin 7 driven by B. Sparrow loses control.
An Austin 747 cc takes a gnarly turn at the Donington Park Race Meeting, May 13, 1933. The on-lookers' calm expressions exemplify the typical nature of this kind of wild driving.
The Motoring Picture Library
02
Austin 7 works team at Brooklands 1937. Kay Petre, Hadley and Goodacre.
Skinny tires make for slippery turns. Notice the enormous steering wheel on the car. Here, the Austin 7 team, with an unknown woman in the driver's seat, preps for the race in 1937.

The Motoring Picture Library
03
Before start of 1930 Irish Grand Prix, Phoenix Park Dublin.
Mechanics make final adjustments before the start of the Irish Grand Prix in Dublin, 1930.
The Motoring Picture Library
04
BSA 1922 1075 cc. Richmond Park
An unnamed driver feeds a deer in a 1922 BSA 1075 cc in Richmond Park, Surrey. Notice the crank start knob at the bottom of the grille.

The Motoring Picture Library
05
Raymond Mays in Bugatti Brescia at Porthcawl 29.6.1922
Driver Raymond Mays in a Bugatti Brescia 1496 cc at the Porthcawl Speed Trials, June 29, 1922. Mays was a major figure in British racing with a decades-long career.
The Motoring Picture Library
06
Lea Francis driven by EN Oetzmann and F Ivins at Brooklands JCC Double Twelve.
A mechanic wrenches on a Lea-Francis 1496S cc that was retired from the race due to engine issues. May 8 or 9, 1931.

The Motoring Picture Library
07
Barnstaple Trial 1932, Tarr Steps. MG J2s in river.
An MGJ2s leads the Barnstaple Trial race through a river in 1932.
The Motoring Picture Library
08
Singer 8 Junior, Kitty Brunell
Kitty Brunell, the photographer's daughter and race driver, stands in a Singer 8. Date unknown.

The Motoring Picture Library
09
Singer B37 1.5 litre driven by AH Langley. 1937 Torquay Rally
Crowds and a nonplussed constabulary watch a Singer 1937 B37 1.5-liter at the Torquay Rally, July 16/17, 1937.
The Motoring Picture Library
10
Singer Junior Monte Carlo Rally. 1928. Brunell, W.J and Kitty
Kitty Brunell works on a Singer Junior 848 cc at the Monte Carlo Rally, January 1928.

The Motoring Picture Library
11
Talbot 14-45 Kitty Brunell 1930 Monte Carlo rally
Kitty Brunell drives the Talbot 14/45 known as the Kitty II at the January 1930 Monte Carlo Rally. She placed 40th out of 87.

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