Star Motor Co: 1900 The Birdlip Hill Trial
Note: this is a sub-section of the Star Motor Co
The trial up Birdlip Hill.[1]
A most interesting motor car trial took place on Saturday at Birdlip, when what may be described as a truly wonderful performance was witnessed by a few gentlemen interested in the manufacture of these cars. To begin with, Mr E. H. Lisle, chief of the "Star" Motor Co., Wolverhampton, accompanied by a most competent assistant in the person of Mr. G. Prew, had made the journey on a “Star” car to Gloucester in the space of about four hours. Here Mr. Clarke (of the firm of Clarke and Morgan, Gloucester and Cheltenham) met the gentlemen named, and after luncheon, led the way on his three-horse Benz motor to the loot of Birdlip Hill, where was commenced a trial for which Mr Lisle had brought his car such long journey.
This trial consisted of an attempt to mount to the summit of the hill which has gained such renown among motorists as one of the, if not the steepest in the country. This feat had previously been performed by Messrs Clarke’s “Benz.” which fitted with a three-speed motor and weighs nearly half a ton; but as the Star is only fitted with two-speed gear, although of 3.5-horse power, grave doubts existed as to whether she would do what was asked of her on this occasion.
Mr Clarkes car took the lead, and although somewhat slowly, reached more than half-way up the hill before the driver purposely halted. Soon afterwards the Star came sailing along in beautiful style at six miles hour, but she could not at the first attempt get as far the "Benx.”
A second trial was made however and this time the top of the hill would undoubtedly have been reached but for the fact that one of the chains, being loose, came off. This necessitated a third trial, and this time the “Star” did not draw until she stood outside the George Hotel True, she only carried one passenger instead of the two which she is built to accommodate, and which Mr Lisle had hoped she would carry up the hill, but that gentleman was delighted with what the motor had done, and confidently expressed the opinion that there was not another two-speed car in existence which could the same thing. Mr. Clarke followed up the hill on his car with no difficulty whatever striking testimony to the excellence of the Benz motor.
The “Star” is a beautifully-made car fitted with all the latest improvements, and pneumatic tyres render upon her a perfect pleasure. The price of the car is from £170 to £200, and she can easily attain speed on the level of 25 miles an hour. The wonderful control which the driver has over the car was shown on the journey from Birdlip to Cheltenham, for the several sharp descents were made in perfect safety at a good pace, and even the Leckhampton pitch presented no difficulties The journey back to Wolverhampton was made in remarkably good time, and therefore the “Star” may be said have done a splendid day’s work, amply testifying to the possibilities of this locomotion.
It may be added that Messrs J. B. Reid and H. Reid (father and son), of Manchester, members of the Tourists' Club, witnessed the ascent of Birdlip, so that the bona-fides of the trial can be absolutely vouched for.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Gloucestershire Echo - Monday 11 June 1900