Over The Line.

One of two book compilations from Brockbank in 1955

In 1955, Brockbrank brought out two more hardback compilation books, Up The Straight, and Over The Line, which is featured here. He also contributed to Bees Under My Bonnet, written in association with Ronald Collier.

The intro printed inside the dust jacket leads with "Here, for those happy followers of the fortunes, and more frequent misfortunes, of Major Upsett and his fellow enthusiasts of the racing circuits, is a further collection of Brockbank's inimitable work, reproduced from the pages of The Motor and other journals."

Major Upsett had already featured in the earlier Round The Bend from c1948, and Up The Straight, a copy of which I've yet to obtain. I'd also like to track down a good copy of the book that came out three years later, in 1958, called Manifold Pressures.

Despite initial suggestions, the cartoons drawn by Brockbank and featuring in this book are not just about Grand Prix motor racing, although motorsport does rear its head on many occasions. Gentle digs are made at male vs female driving, delivery van drivers (white van man was very much in existence even in the 1950s), and the motoring aristocracy.

Competition cars, whether blatting around the racing circuit, or up an Alpine Pass during the Monte Carlo rally, are included. Some cartoons require a brief moment of contemplation to 'get' the subtlety that often features in this artist's creations, but it is worth the effort because they are just excellent. Just one example is the two page spread of a low flying delta-winged jet zooming just feet above a sign saying 'Beware Low Flying Aircraft'. Nothing too funny on first glance, but look closely and you'll spot Major Upsett's tiny bowler hat impaled on the pointy bit on the front of the aircraft, having collected said apparel from the cranium of the unlucky Mr Upsett whilst driving along in his tourer.

Several books by Brockbank feature in this corner of oldclassiccar, have a look on the motoring humour page to see the rest.

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Old Classic Car (C) R. Jones 2025. Content not to be reproduced elsewhere.

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