The Ladybird - a proper rumcar hunt then

[richard]

yep we have been here before and this is all I have - who can find out more ? We know the first prototype still exists but where is the second , I bet its in a shed somewhere and probably the most valuable old micro that still has to surface . this article was in mid 1970's Motorcycle News .
Jock Hitchcock had a son Don where is he ?
 "........... Don Hitchcock is/was the son of Jock. Together they ran Jock Hitchcock Motorcycles in Folkestone during the '50s(?) and '60s. They were both big supporters of the ISDT where Jock was widely known for his generosity with the teapot"

[Stuart Cyphus]

 Don Hitchcock?  Not Farring Don Hitchcock? So that's the Mr Hitchcock mentioned in the book!  And there was me thinking the trail led to Sussex and the chapel....

[richard]

Can you explain any of that Stuart , thanks

[Bob Purton]

Interesting article. I've always love the look of the ladybird.
Just one question Richard, are you sure its not a Breutch built under license?

[richard]

Because British built Bruetschs already have a name T********  - keep em coming

[milnes]

Nice article Richard. Where did you drum that cutting from?

[Big Al]

Hitchcock's still have connection with bikes, via Royal Enfield specialist Alan Hitchcock.

Was there a fake in pink, one called a Breutch Birdylad? Stuart thought it said fag, but I am not so sure. Something odd about the unexpectedly floppy gear change apparently.

[richard]

Can't date the article as I only kept the clipping but as I said Motorcycle News 1976 I think

[AndyL]

Great article. That's the only time I've seen the fabled second ladybird. Not as different from the first prototype as I was led to believe.

I saw the sole (to date) survivor at the National many years back, and thought it was a very pretty design but also looked fun to drive as it looked like it had a low centre of gravity and a good layout.

[Bob Purton]

Yeh, thats when I saw it. Wasnt it in the ownership of Mike Webster than?

[AndyL]

I'm not sure who owned it, I remember seeing it for sale a year or two later in a classic car mag. Whoever owned it was giving it some stick in the driving competition.

Laurence House purchased it didn't he, I assume he still owns it?

[Bob Purton]

yes, as far as I know.

[Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)]

That's a great clipping Richard. Thanks for posting.

There are two more pics of the second prototype in Tony Marshall's book and this footage of the Laurence House car from the Classic British Cars programme they made for Channel 4 in the early 90s.

http://youtu.be/4Rysma9VxnI

[richard]

And thank you Malcolm . I had forgotten the programme but I do have the whole thing on - wait for it - VIDEO  a beautiful car and I would dearly love to own it - or the other ! Where is it ? ( by the way on most cars I am not averse to a badge preferably on a bar or grill , but doesn't that one just ruin that lovely curved profile " like a carbuncle on the face of an old friend " 

[DaveMiller]

Yea!  Thanks for that clip, Malcolm.  For me, a pleasant surprise just at the end, as it includes my Bond Mk A, driven by previous owner (and restorer) Rex Grogan.