Percy Lambert Collection

The collection is small and constitutes mainly newspaper cuttings, as well as complete journals from the motor trade, correspondence, promotional material (for Talbot and Brooklands) and notes.

<p>Articles in The Autocar 1913, regarding his death and memorial; to be found in the Reference Library. Image catalogued on the photographic catalogue.</p>

Open to bona fide researchers. By appointment only.

Recieved by the Museum in two accessions; the first containing the scrap book of press cuttings relating to the death of Lambert from Muriel Burrow (?) Percy's niece 1984, and the second containing the remaining material, recieved along with Percy Lambert's racing silks from Mary Wondrausch on 13th April 1996.

Percy Lambert (1881-1913), who earned the nickname 'Pearley' while at school on account of his glistening white teeth and who carried this name forward into his racing career by giving his cars the same name, was one of the most famous racing drivers during his life, although he is relatively unknown now. Lambert drove a variety of vehicles, including Austins, Vauxhalls, and Talbots. He was the first man to drive at over 100mph, a feat he achieved at Brooklands on February 15th 1913 driving his 4.5 litre 'side valve' (25hp) Talbot over 103 miles in 60 minutes, under the patronage of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot (the chairman of the Talbot company). His brother, Harold Charles Lambert, was also involved in motor racing and helped Percy when the latter was racing, Harold was there with Percy on what was to be his last attempt (due to a promise he had made to his fiancee) at record breaking on 21st October 1913. During this record attempt a rear tyre burst on Percy's Talbot and the vehicle crashed, rolling over down the hill at the Brooklands race track. Percy fractured his skull and was almost certainly killed instantaneously. Harold went on to found the Lambert Motor Company after World War 1. Following Percy's death a memorial was proposed by a friend (Mr. G.R.N. Minchin) in The Autocar magazine, which was subscribed to by numerous individuals, organisations, and businesses.