A few notes for his many fans, from the châlet desk of M. Guy Gadbois:

My fellow drivers of the racing cars, fanciers of the racing cars, and the drivers who drive in them, the life of the racing car driver is not a simple one.  We face the danger every day, and sometimes in the nighttime.  The twists and turns of the racing track are as treacherous as the turns of my exquisitely formed mustache upon my face, or as aggressive as my sideburns.  Not for the faint of heart to say the least, as you can see from this photograph, discreetly taken of me in Switzerland while pursuing a lovely lady. 

Guy Gadbois
Guy’s drink

As I, M. Guy Gadbois, sit by the fire, sipping my Ricard in my châlet above the pistes, I am trying to determine the best histoire to tell you.  The saga of my automobile racing machine that has propelled me to such success in the world of the automobile racing.

When I was first approached to drive this racing machine, I enquired: “Which French automobile shall I, M. Guy Gadbois, be driving to the winner’s circle?”  The humble reply was, as you might imagine, humble.  It turns out that I would be le pilote of an Austo-Daimler Sascha.  Not French at all!  But a vehicle of German and Austrian design.  By someone who I do not believe will make it very far in the world of the automobile, a little German named Ferdinand Porsche.

This entertaining little fellow kept going on about this and that, and saying that in the future, it will be good to put the motor of the car in the back end of the car!  I said again and again to this little man: “Why do we not get this one to run properly first, before we pursue such matters?”

Here is Sascha during one of her many rebuilds; she is showing off her bare aluminum body like a French harlot!  She has worn so many colors, it is difficult to keep track.  And the mechanical part.  A driver of the calibre of M. Guy Gadbois does not ordinarily occupy himself with the mechanicals of such a monster, but that silly little man kept tearing her apart and putting her back together so many times, I had become curious.

“Vorder- und hinterradaufhängung” he would mutter under his breath.  Something about front and rear suspension.  Then he would say “idiotischer Franzose,” and continue with the muttering to himself.  I never could figure out what that one meant, I believe it is something regarding my astute and inquisitive nature, that M. Guy Gadbois would dare stoop to the level of méchanique!

Then the car was transformed into a solid rear axle, whatever that is referring to, and the differential went away for some reason, and the two drum brakes were upgraded to a single disk brake, probably to try and emulate the advanced technology of the French automotive industry.

She is equipped with les pneus for the road in the front, and for the dirt in the rear for the better traction when there is no road.  She has a well padded seat hand stitched by a Mme. Du Coligny for le derrière de M. Gadbois, for comfort is recommended, although not in Germany…

As I pour my second, or possibly troisième pastis, I am compelled to speak to you of the many triumphs of M. Gadbois.  He has won the Gordon Bennet cup more times than he cares to remember.  He has seen great success in many cycle kart competitions.  He has been awarded an honorary fez by the BRDC.  He has received a form letter to please cease and desist, from the secretary of M. Charles de Gaulle himself!

M. Gadbois has been out-horsepowered, had wheels fly from the machine, experienced a steering wheel come off in his hands, flat tires, been maneuvered into by the Swiss, been complimented with pleasant hand gestures, lost his brakes, run out of fuel, karate chopped by his manservant, and many more such minor inconveniences.  I have persevered through them all!

Now gentle readers, I must adjourn to the bar to meet Lady Litton for a Kahlua and ginger ale!  But for now, I must ask… Does your dog bite?

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis No.: 902
Running No.: 7

Engine: Honda GX200
CVT: Comet TAV2
Ratio: 10T – 60T
Front wheels: 1.40 x 17 CT90
Rear wheels: 1.60 x 17 CB125
Brake: 6″ mechanical disk, foot
Steering: go-kart type
Front suspension: semi elliptic
Rear suspension: none
Body: aluminum on steel hoop frame
Frame: 0.085″ wall, 1″ x 3″ steel

Stage 2 mods with bored Keihin carburetor
#41 chain

2.50 Michelin Gazelle tires
2.75 Golden Boy tires

Aluminum wheel (previously wood)
(axle revised to double heim joint type)
(previously 1/4 elliptic with differential)
Radiator towel: foam over 1/4″ plywood
Mahogany plywood floor and bulkhead

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 74.5″
Front track: 39″
Overall length: 98″
Body width: 22.5″
Height at scuttle: 34″
Weight: 246#

Ground clearance: 4.5″ (TAV)
Rear track: 34″

Radiator width: 10.75″
Height at sidewall: 18.5″

by M. Guy Gadbois

PARIS-MADRID

GORDON BENNETT V (one lap of three)

BULLSEYE!

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