Parry Thomas

Parry Thomas

by Hugh Tours
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date: 12/11/2020

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This biography of the Welsh engineer and racing driver recounts the achievements of his remarkable life and his death in pursuit of a dream.


In April of 1926, J.G. Parry-Thomas broke the land speed record, reaching 171.02 miles per hour in a car he designed himself. He and his car Babs were celebrated across the world. But less than a year later, his record was beaten by Colin Campbell at Pendine Sands, on the south coast of Wales. After refitting Babs, Parry-Thomas set out to reclaim his record in a drive that would tragically be his last.


In this authoritative biography, Hugh Tours explores the fascinating life of the brilliant and adventuresome Parry-Thomas. From a conventional upbringing in Wales, he became a prominent figure in the developing world of high-speed motor car racing and design. As the chief engineer at Leyland Motors, he designed the Leyland Eight, a landmark in automotive design that bristled with novel features. It was experience of driving this car around Brooklands racetrack that persuaded Parry-Thomas to leave Leyland and devote himself to racing full-time.


This edition includes thirty-six photographs and drawings, with an additional chapter detailing the recovery and restoration of Babs.

ISBN:
9781526759238
9781526759238
Category:
Biography: sport
Format:
Epub (Kobo), Epub (Adobe)
Publication Date:
12-11-2020
Language:
English
Publisher:
Pen & Sword Transport
Hugh Tours

Born in Chiswick on 15 July 1910, Hugh Berthold Tours was educated at Aldenham. From early on his great interests were engineering and steam railways.

A career with the Bank of England was interrupted in 1939 when Hugh enlisted in the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant RNVR, serving as a Gunnery Officer in the Far East as well as on the Russian Convoys - he was involved in the events surrounding Convoy PQ-17 as a member of the crew of HMS 'Norfolk'.

After the war ended Hugh returned to the Bank of England, where he started his literary career writing articles on cars that he tested for the Bank of England magazine. In his last few years with The Old Lady of Thread Needle Street Hugh was asked to delve into the Bank's archives and to create an internal museum.

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