speed trials 1925-1939

[j w davies]

I'm looking for information on the speed trials that were held in Wales between 1925-1939 (Colwyn Bay, Margam Park and probably a few others), can anybody suggest the best places to look? I've got access to the British Library so I'll be able to get hold of Motor Sport (did they cover local events pre war? or have listings of forthcoming events?), what else should I be trying to get hold of? any help appreciated.
john william davies

[D-Type]

Local Newspaper archives. Many towns have an independently owned weekly paper that dates back to heavan knows when. At a local level, a speed trial would havebeen big news. I may be talking complete borrox but it's worth a try

[TimD]

National Newspaper Library opposite Colindale tube station. They have every British newspaper either in bound form or on microfilm. I'm afraid Motor Sport magazine will be a limited hunting ground for speed trials, but D-Type's suggestion about local newspapers is extremely good.

In my Brooklands research I've used the Newspaper Library on numerous occasions and found useful information in all sorts of unlikely periodicals.

Best of luck!

[ss_collins]

The Autocar might be ok - very good for pre ww1 stuff

[Vitesse]

Autocar, Motor and Light Car are all useful for forthcoming events (and to a lesser extent reports) in the inter-war period: I've consulted all three at Beaulieu, but I believe the Science Museum archives may have copies as well, if you don't fancy a trip to the New Forest.

Once you have the dates sorted from these weeklies, plus what may be a brief report, you can then follow up in the more local sources suggested above. Otherwise you're condemning yourself to hours of searching through irrelevant stuff ....

[taylov]

For the period 1935 onwards you could try "Speed". This monthly publiction listed results from some speed trials as well as races. I have about 80% of the issues and could take a look for you if this would help - I'm travelling for the next month but will do so on my return if you want.

[j w davies]

thanks for the help. I'll try and get to Colindale this week to see what I can find.
Can anyone recommend Motor over Autocar or vice versa?