Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[oldtimer]

hello,
this name always comes to my mind at this time of year since he was killed on 29 9 52 trying for the water speed record on Loch Ness.everyone seems to know about Donald Campbell but John Cobb seems to be little known.
I was at school just a few miles away when this gallant gentleman died.

oldtimer

[peter scott]

Yes, Cobb was an interesting character. Very self-effacing and a complete contrast to Malcolm Campbell who he couldn't abide. Cobb was completely unglamorous but was probably a nice guy.

Cobb and Eyston however were somewhat in the same mould and good friends. On one occasion when Eyston had made an absolutely scorching run at Bonneville, Pillsbury the AAA timekeeper burst into tears when he confessed to Eyston that the timing equipment had failed. Eyston just put his arm round him and told him "Not to worry, we'll just tell the press that it was a successful practice run." "Anyone else," said Pillsbury, "would have bawled me out good and proper, in front of everybody."

I don't think Cobb would have been in the "Anybody else" bracket but Campbell would.

Charles Jennings' book "The Fast Set" gives some wondeful accounts of all the famous record breakers.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[oldtimer]

Hello Peter,
I think you hit the nail on the head.Cobb and Eyston were Old School types. No fuss, no ego trips,just quietly got on with the job.My kind of people,Iconfess,but anachronisms now.I feel sure they could well have contributed to this situation of not being in the forefront of public awareness as a result and probably wouldnt have it any other way

oldtimer

[peter scott]

Hi OT,

I must say that I do enjoy people like the late Alan Clark who can be very amusing but in reality are absolute s**ts but my respect goes to the Cobbs and Eystons. The low key understated personalities are very attractive but I'm glad that we do have some Malcolm Campbells to add spite, sorry, spice to life.

Peter

p.s. I do agree with you really OT. Give me concealed emotions not heart on sleeve. A gentle bow not a fist in the air. No grunts on the tennis court.
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[peter scott]

A quote from Charles Jennings' book:

"Cobb's decriptions of what it was like to punish oneself by driving the Napier Railton around the ageing Brooklands concrete centred less on the obliterating discomfort (which he would have taken for granted) and more on the way it threatened a final irresistable gravitational pull towards oblivion, as in Seagrave's awareness of 'the whole thing gradually getting little by little above human control'. Cobb observed that 'An attempt on the lap record was very similar to seeing how far one could lean out of a window without falling out. The top of the banking seemed very near. It is almost like falling upward, if you can imagine it.' "

http://www.britishpathe.com/images//preview/00000000/00012000/00012275.WMV


_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[62rebel]

that image, with all four wheels off the track despite the weight of the car, defines the era from which these gents hailed. that thing must have been a proper bast$rd to drive even at low speed.....
and to think most of them never considered seat belts a necessity!

[Rick]

The copying of VHS to DVD has been continuing of late, last night I watched a repeat of a programme about three LSR competitors, namely Campbell, Seagrave and Parry-Thomas. Fascinating stuff, anyone who sits in a car fitted with one or more aero engines gets a big thumbs up from me. While I'm sure there was a bit of ego going on, first and foremost their priority seemed to be ensuring that the LSR stayed with Great Britain.

A visit to Pendine Sands, home to Babs, is well worthwhile if you find yourself down in S Wales at some point.

Rick
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[47p2]

Came across this advert with Cobb named.

One of his sponsors


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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

[Jim Walker]

Surely the Railton Special featured in the ad. posted by 47p2 is one of the most iconic World Land Speed Record holders of all time. The lines look like something from this century, not the first half of the last.

Apparantly the designers were well aware of aerodynamics and after the record attempts the rear of the car was inspected to see if there was a dent. Sure enough in the centre of the tail panel was a dent caused by air pressure, which the designers claimed gave the car an extra 'push' and increased its speed!

HOW COULD John Cobb be forgotten?

Jim.

[Penman]

Hi

[Rick]

really interesting thanks Penman, great to see Babs in action on 'home turf', or sand...!

R
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[peter scott]

Yes, that Babs clip was very good. Thanks Penman.

As to Cobb's Railton LSR car it was pretty magical but as a school boy racing Dinkys in the playground I seem to remember that it was always Eyston's Thunderbolt that proved to be the most popular. It certainly went further than any other Dinky at that time. (I don't remember anyone having any other LSR Dinkys)

Peter



p.s. I think on styling my vote of all the LSRs must go to Seagrave's Golden Arrow:


_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Penman]

Hi

[pigtin]

Don't know where this came from but getting in, and out seems a bit labour intensive.


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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

[peter scott]

Yes, I think the man under the Mobil Pegasus is saying "OK, keep your head down John."
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon