Lincolnshire Automobile Club

Hill Climbing Trials 1903

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Lincolnshire, blessed with admirable roads, has become quite a stronghold of motoring and the county automobile club is one of the most flourishing in the provinces.  

The members have held many meets of importance, but none more pleasant that that in the Red Deer park of Grimsthorpe, the picturesque seat of the Earl of Ancaster, on Saturday last. The gathering was rendered of greater interest than usual by the holding of hill climbing trials for cars and motorcycles and a suitable gradient of about 1 in 9 being found in the grounds there was, of course, nothing to fear from police authorities and the contests could be decided at leisure and with comfort.

About thirty five cars and cycles turned up and most of them engaged in the contests. Dr. Gilpin, of Bourne, who entertained the visitors on behalf of the Earl of Ancaster, gave a motor clock as a prize in the Hill Climbing Compertition. Dr Husband was the starter, Dr Benson was time keeper and Dr Cragg judge.

The fine weather had induced a large number of ladies to join the meet. Mr Bamber of the Brush Electrical Enginneering Company and the representative of The Car, comprised the London contingent, but the former’s 12h.p. Brush was not entered for the contests.

Fastest time in the hill-climbing trial was recorded by Mr W.R. Pennell of Lincoln , but his 10h.p. Locomobile finished prematurely and was disqualified. The result of the contest was:-

1.      F.Richardson, Sibsey     10h.p. Wolseley       223 points

2.      Dr. Gilpin, Bourne             8h.p.   Peugeot       215 points

3.      C.Holland, Boston             Baby Peugeot        192 points

4.      Captain Newsum              12h.p. Richardson   182 points

The motorcycles were despatched in couples, the men being handicapped, the contest partaking of the nature of a race. Mr E. Pogson, Sleaford, won easily, but not being a member of the club, premier honours fell to Mr Gilbert, of Billinghay 2¾ h.p. Minerva engine.