Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke was born in Bristol in 1912 and was one of the first "impecunious enthusiasts" to acquire an Iota chassis to build his first special, CBP I. The Iota's were quickly outclassed by production cars from Cooper, JBS and Kieft so Tom had limited success. Tom was also responsible for new trend with his "Special Mobile Unit", in reality a converted caravan used for transporting his car and accommodation.

Some results for CBP I

Brands Hatch 21st April 1951, 3rd in April Handicap.

Silverstone 5th May 1951 Daily Express International Trophy, 15th

Prescott 19th May 1951, 6th

Shelsley Walsh 22nd September 1951, 9th

Towards the end of 1951 he constructed a second car, CBP II, using swing axle and rubber band suspension at the rear and a forward driving position, in the style of Martin and Kieft, powered by a JAP engine. With this car, he achieved rather more success.

Tom at Prescott in July 1952

Silverstone 28th June 1952, 3rd in heat, 3rd in final.

Prescott Hill 27th July 1952, 3rd in Junior Challenge. 1st in Non Production car class.

Thruxton 4th August 1952, 2nd in heat, 2nd in final.

 

Ibsley 18th April 1953, 8th in heat, DNF in final.

Castle Combe 25th April 1953, DNF.

Silverstone 9th May 1953 International Trophy Meeting, DNF.

Thruxton 25th May 1953, 2nd.

Shelsley Walsh 6th June 1953, 2nd

Silverstone 18th July 1953 British Grand Prix, 10th

Silverstone 8th August 1953, DNF

Silverstone 22nd August 1953 Commander Yorke Trophy, 3rd in Non Production car race.

Castle Combe 3rd October 1953, 4th in heat.

 

Castle Combe 3rd April 1954, DNF.

Goodwood 19th April 1954 Earl of March Trophy, DNF.

Silverstone 15th May 1954 Daily Express Meeting, DNF.

Tom Clarke seems to have quit racing at this point but thereafter led an active life, becoming Mayor of Bristol in 1979. He passed away in January 2015