It is not always the biggest engine or the fastest car that wins the race. Certain cars regularly beat the bigger models because of their maneuverability and balance in road races.
The Simeone Museum demonstrated a quartet of cars that did surprisingly well against their larger competitors:
- 1913 Mercer Raceabout, with a relatively small 4.9 liter engine.
- 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, whose special instruction booklet insert was a convenience to Alfa’s English speaking customers.
- 1934 MG K3 Magnette, which was capable of sustaining 6,000 RPM.
- 1954 Austin Healey 100-4 BN1, capable of great pulling power, so much so that the American versions have the first gear blocked out.
