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

  • Image may contain Human Person Car Transportation Vehicle Automobile Wheel Machine Tire Sports Car and Asphalt
    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.
  • Image may contain Human Person Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Wheel Machine Tire Sports Car and Race Car
    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.
  • Image may contain Human Person Wheel Machine Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Hot Rod Tire and Spoke
    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.
  • Image may contain Wheel Machine Vehicle Transportation Automobile Car Animal Dog Mammal Pet Canine and Wildlife
    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.
  • Image may contain Human Person Car Transportation Vehicle Automobile Wheel Machine Antique Car and Model T
    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.
  • Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Wheel Machine Human Person Antique Car Model T and Train
    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.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Car Automobile Wheel Machine Amphibious Vehicle Truck Human and Person
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    07

    Barnstaple Trial 1932, Tarr Steps. MG J2s in river.

    An MGJ2s leads the Barnstaple Trial race through a river in 1932.
  • Image may contain Wheel Machine Human Person Transportation Car Vehicle Automobile Antique Car and Model T
    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.
  • Image may contain Human Person Vehicle Transportation Car Antique Car Automobile Hot Rod Model T Wheel and Machine
    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.
  • Image may contain Human Person Vehicle Transportation Car Automobile Helmet Clothing Apparel Tire and Hot Rod
    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.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Car Automobile Antique Car Model T Wheel and Machine
    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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