About What is it? Quiz #490: 1921 Horstman Super Sports

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Thank you all for taking part in Quiz #490. The car in the photograph is indeed a 1921 Horstman Super Sports as most of you answered correctly. "Made in the town of Bath in south-west England. The name of the builder was actually Sidney Horstmann (2 "N"s) but after the First World War German names were not very popular in England", as Richard Mawer told us in his answer.

Robbie Marenzi could tell us more about the man himself; "Sidney Horstmann, born in Bath, son of German clockmaker Gustav Horstmann, designer of the world's first micrometer with accuracy greater than 1/10000. In 1904 Sidney and his brothers established Horstmann Gear Co. They became well-known for clockwork mechanisms and timers."

Robbie also told us that; "between 1914-29 around 1,500 cars were produced. Around ten cars still exist." Frazer Sloan thank you very much for the photograph of one of the Horstman cars that still survives today. He also commented about the drive; " it used an Anzani engine but had the unique feature of an Archimedes screw kickstarter (to be used inside the car), as well as starting handle at the front and electric starter too. It was a high-quality car with an in-unit gearbox/rear axle and right-hand gearchange." Neil Rankine told us in his answer; "other unique features are an aluminium casting that makes the front half of the chassis, engine sump and support for clutch, pedals and radiator".

"The car was advertised as 'The fastest British light car' after finishing 5th at the JCC 200 mile race at Brooklands", Neil Beadle commented.

You have an excellent memory, Mark Roberts! The article you read 30 ago in the “Automobile” about a little car very similar looking to this one is this Horstman! Well done!

The hint we gave about the lights is the twin headlamp configuration we see on the Horstman. "After WWII Hadrill and Horstmann Ltd. was formed, they became famous for their Counterpoise Lamps", Robbie Marenzi commented.

You may already be able to guess who the winner is... The person who in our eyes gave the most complete answer (also taking into account the sources), and therefore receives the full 5 points in the six-month competition, sponsored by Hans Compter Rare Cars, is... Robbie Marenzi! Congratulations Robbie you are the winner!

Have a good weekend everyone!

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