Less than two weeks ago we reported about the Sunbeam Tiger returning to the beach. Today we present you another returning beach visitor.
In April 1926, John Godfrey Parry Thomas drove BABS ( this LSR an evolution of the ex count Zborowski Higham Special, also known as Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang. Ooops! Correction - see comment section - it should be Chitty Bang Bang !) on Pendine Sands to set the World Land Speed Record at 169mph. The following day he raised it further to 171mph for the flying mile. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of this achievement BABS is set to return to drive on the sands once again on Thursday 28th April
Parry Thomas bought BABS in 1925 and following some small changes made an unsuccessful attempt on the record. Further modifications were made to the 27 litre chain drive car prior to the successful attempts in 1926. Tragically, Thomas was killed at Pendine in 1927 whilst undertaking a further record attempt. Following the crash, the car was buried in the dunes, where it remained for 42 years before being dug up and restored by Owen Wyn Owen (check this early post-1969 footage !) . The car is now owned by a charitable trust and spends much of the summer in a Museum of Speed in Pendine, as well as attending various car events.
On the 28th April, the aim is to run on the sands again between 2.30pm and 4pm. Spectators are welcome. There is no admission charge, although there may be a small charge to park on the beach. Up to date information, especially if there is adverse weather, will be posted timely.
editor: we still keep finding vivid memories of the time when the BABS was wearing her deeply patinated coachwork remainders. Some of those to be seen in this seventies footage featuring Owen with the freshly revived Babs.
addition by Robin Batchelor:
There is a wonderful cut-away drawing of BABS by Vic Berris in a 1974 article from Thoroughbred and Classic Cars. (See here) where the editor explores this car's fascinating history.