Kent Smith

J.B. Kent and Gerald Smith built their 500 in early 1952. It featured a tubular frame, wishbone and coil spring front suspension and swing axle with rubber at the rear. Powered by a Norton engine the driver was positioned well forward. Pannier fuel tanks were used and the chassis was lower than was usual, leaving the driver sitting on, rather than in the car. Gerald did the driving and achieved some respectable results, for a special during part of '52 and though '53, the highlight being an eighth in the Grand Prix support race at Silverstone in July.

Sadly, Gerald would loose a leg after crashing the streamlined Arnott at Montlhéry in July of 1954.

Gerald Smith in his car.

A very wet day at Snetterton, May 1952. Now with panniers fitted.

Gerald Smith joins in the swing axle v wishbone debate in Iota, February 1953

Some known results:

Brands Hatch 22nd June 1952, DNF in junior heat

Silverstone 23rd August 1952 Commander Yorke Trophy, 5th in junior race, 11th in 100 mile heat 2, DNF in final

 

Castle Combe 4th April 1953, 3rd in heat, 4th in final

Brands Hatch 7th April 1953 Easter Meeting, 4th in open heat

Ibsley 18th April 1953, 5th in heat, DNF in final

Brands Hatch 3rd May 1953, 2nd in senior heat

Silverstone 16th May 1953, DNF

Brands Hatch 24th May 1953 Coronation Trophy, 3rd in open heat, 5th in senior final

Brands Hatch 14th June 1953, DNF in open heat, 2nd in consolation race

Silverstone 18th July 1953 British Grand Prix, 8th

Snetterton 25th July 1953, DNF

Brands Hatch 3rd August 1953 International Trophy Meeting, 3rd in sprint heat, 4th in international heat, DNF in final

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