Mercedes-Benz.
The following photograph was taken in the Cambridge area during 1928, by Adrian Stella's grandfather (standing in the middle, with the glasses).
He wasn't in the car during the accident, he just happened to be in the right place to capture the aftermath of this road traffic accident. Being both an enthusiast of the motor-car, and a keen photographer, explains why he pulled over to record the moment for posterity. Other than knowing the approximate location, and year of the incident, no more information regarding the car or its driver was available.
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Asking around led to the car being identified as a Mercedes-Benz, dating to 1913 or 1914 approximately. Somewhat surprisingly a fellow VSCC-er was able to identify the driver
of the runaway Mercedes as Mr David "Bunty" Scott-Moncrieff, who was at Cambridge in the late 1920s (thanks MC & JW). He's certainly dressed for the part of a motorist, with the fur-lined motoring coat and gauntlets, plus goggles as befits the driver of an open-topped machine. This gentleman's name may well be known to enthusiasts of old cars, as he was a prolific car dealer (Rolls-Royces etc), and occasional competition driver in his time. He also penned a number of books on the subject. Coincidentally I've a few handbooks from the 1920s, one of which has his name written inside its cover.
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But how did the Mercedes end up in such a predicament? My suspicion is that the hill to the right was being descended at something above a manageable pace - perhaps through brake issues - and an attempt was made at the left-hand turn, which resulted in the car tipping over and various loose items being pitched onto the bank. Tools, bonnet, battery and even someone's hat ended up on the verge. The offside of the car has taken a bit of a pummelling, although the twin side-mounted tyres may have cushioned the impact slightly. The screen is well mangled so it may well have tipped further, then rocked back into the position it's shown at here. The nearside front tyre displays very little tread, so that may have had a bearing on proceedings, while the wing at the same corner bears evidence of abuse - either on this occasion or in a previous encounter with something solid.
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Another car can just be made out, parked in the background. What an interesting photo, my thanks to Adrian for sending it over.
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"Bunty" Scott-Moncrieff.
As mentioned, Scott-Moncrieff's name appears in an old handbook I have here. Years ago I bought a pile of very tatty handbooks that date to the 1920s, amongst them is one for the Rolls-Royce 40-50HP, and another for the 25-30HP model. Inside the cover of the former is his signature. The books are believed to have been sourced from his workshop at some point in time prior to me finding them. A scan of his signature is shown below.
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