WIZARD SMITH’S CAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 13, 16 January 1932, Page 7

WIZARD SMITH’S CAR

CAPABILITIES EXAGGERATED. HARKNESS DENIES REPORTS (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, Jau. 15. Mr. Don Harkness informed a Press representative that he definitely disassociates himself from any claim that “Wizard” Smith's car is designed or intended to achieve speeds in the vicinity of 300 miles per hour. “We are dealing with many unknown factors, and it would oc unwise to make any prediction. My mission has been to build a car capable of bettering tho existing record, but I have not yet aimed at such a high rate of speed as is freely reported. It is undesirable that such ambitious statements should be made and circulated, although if the “Silent Enterprise” is successful, as J hope it will be. it’s going tn bo modified to attain still more phenomena speeds. •

WHAT CAN IT DO? (DESIGNER’S DECLARATIONS. 1 Per Press Association. J AUCKLAND’ Jan. 15. Concerning Mr. Harkness’ statement at Sydney the Enterprise’s designer and builder stated before leaving Auckland that: it was unreasonable for anyone to claim that the 300 miles mark would be reached in tho forthcoming attack upon tho land speed record. Even the Bluebird, with all its improvements over tho Golden Arrow, knocked only 14 miles off the late Sir Henry Segrave’s record. Mr. Harkness further said h<? would bo satisfied to beat Campbell’s figures by 15 miles, especially as the Enterprise was not desigued for anything beyond 265 miles. As it once took him weeks to increase the speed of an ordinary ear by five miles an hour, it would be amazing, declared Mr. Harkness, if he could build a car to travel 55 miles faster than the Bluebird.

CONTROL OF THE BEACH. THREAT BY MR. SMITH. [ Ter Press Association. 1 AUCKLAND, Jan. 15. Mr. Smith stated at Ninety Mile Beach that if his wishes regarding the control of tho beach are not respected ho would transfer his attempt on the laud speed record to Daytona.