Miss X IV at Geduld Dam Gold Cup
circa 1952

Photo is the final cut down version of the Ventnor 225 hull in its MISS X III version running a Mercury with Edelbrock heads and magneto ignition.
I am sure it was running on Methanol as I remember filtering fuel through a chamois leather lined funnel to remove water contamination. This is about 1955.

 I forgot to add some thoughts about the Ventnor hull. I think the hull might have been a new one as it still has the Sheills name on the stern and no sign of previous racing numbers etc. I think the Minnett Sheills Ventor were the Canadian branch of the company and somewhere in the back of my mind I remember Bobby saying he had bought the hull which had been ordered for the land speed record holder George Eyston who had decided not to go on with his record attempt. It seems to make some sense as Bobby Bothner was friendly with Sir Malcolm who was a great friend of Eystons and I think Bluebird K4's hull was in fact designed and built by Ventnor. Is that correct? It is quite possible that Campbell put Bothner in touch with Eyston. I would love to find out more. 

Please contact me if any one can add to this story.
© Andrew Embleton - South Africa

If you would like to purchase a DVD which has a very detailed perspective of the Miss X 
including rare film footage plus a bonus of Bobby's trip to watch the 1948 Gold Cup, click here.