Eric Winterbottom

Eric Winterbottom was born on the 25th June 1909 and became the landlord of the Albert Hotel in Kingston Hill, a popular gathering place for the 500cc fraternity. Quite a fast driver, he had appeared at Brooklands driving a 1.1L Alta during 1939.

After the war Winterbottom drove the new 1100cc Emeryson-Rapier at Gransden Lodge in 1947, still without bodywork. This was the first British racing car with two-stage supercharging. He won a minor handicap in the meeting, creating a lot of interest among the cognoscenti and hopes among enthusiasts: “a magnificent show” wrote Motorsport.

The complete car was seen at Douglas for the Manx Cup later in the year where Winterbottom placed a strong third behind Bira's Gordini and Harrison's 2L Riley. Then Paul Emery preferred the money of Ulster press magnate Bobbie Baird than entering the much less wealthy Winterbottom. In 1949 Winterbottom was successful in a 1 litre Cooper Mk III-Vincent HRD, winning a race in the Midlands Motoring Enthusiasts Club Meeting at Silverstone.

Eric in the Emeryson in the Manx Cup.

Eric raced Vincent HRD and JAP-engined Coopers regularly through 1950, his only season in F3, with various placings but his only recorded win came in a heat at Brands Hatch in July. His Cooper passed to Arnold Stafford, complete with Vincent engine.

Eric's Fraser Nash, photo courtesy Martin Evans

For 1951 Winterbottom raced Jack Newton's 2L Frazer Nash Le Mans Rep meeting his death when the car rolled over during the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod on 15th September1951.