Reader solves car mystery (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Reader solves car mystery

2:58pm Monday 1st June 2009 in

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AN investigative Mercury reader turned detective after we published an old photograph taken in Bridgwater - with intriguing results.

In February we published an appeal for information after Bridgwater photographer Peter Nicholls received a set of pictures from fellow snapper Douglas Allen.

One of the old shots was a picture of a racing car, surrounded by three men wearing hats and goggles.

And now Charles Scott thinks he has solved the fascinating mystery.

Mr Scott told the Mercury: “The car is a 1907 Weigel. It was raced in the French Grand Prix at Dieppe in 1907 and 1908.

“In the 1907 grand prix the car was driven by Pryce Harrison and he had a bad accident on lap five, putting him in hospital. He recovered although two other drivers were killed in that race.

“Despite the name the company was all British and was called Weigel Motors Ltd from London. They only lasted from 1907 to 1910.”

Mr Scott has also tracked down information on the car's Bridgwater connection.

He said: “I have now come across the brochure about Weigel.

“In that brochure there are a number of testimonials and surprisingly there are two from Bridgwater.

“One is dated July 15, 1907 and comes from CP Parker of St Saviours House, Bridgwater, while the second is from F Wills of Perseverance Works, Bridgwater, dated April 30, 1907.”