01 May Rear-view Mirror

A regular look back at old motoring and motor sport items…

The Camps Bay Hillclimb organised by the CPMCC was one of a number of very popular hillclimb events for competitors and spectators that took place pre- and post-war. This photo was taken on 30 November 1946 – the first post-war climb – and shows Car No.1 Philip Costa’s 847cc MG, Car No.2 Don Philp’s 972cc Singer l and, just visible, R Wilsdorp’s 847cc MG. In their Cars Up To 1000cc class, Costa finished third (despite having to replace a half-shaft after it broke during practice), Wilsdorp second and Philp fifth. Roddy Turner was fastest in class in his 747cc Austin.

The intimacy of crowds and competitors is a far cry from today’s ultra-safe scenario…

(NB: No copyright infringement is intended with any of the images used to illustrate these articles.)