Professional Race Car Driver. He was an author, artist and journalist besides being a successful professional race car driver. Born in London, Sydney Charles Houghton "Sammy" Davis began an apprenticeship at Daimler before racing on motorcycles and cyclecars. By 1921 he was recruited into the AC team before joining Aston Martins in 1922, driving a purpose-built car called the "Razor Blade" to break ten World Records and 22 National Class Records. In the 1925 Le Mans 24hr Race he partnered Chassagne in a 3-litre Sunbeam and came second. He returned the following year to partner Dudley Benjafield in a works Bentley, and although the car was badly damaged in a multi-car accident, they limped home to an emotional first place. In 1928 he raced a works Alvis and works Riley. He was awarded BRDC Gold Stars in 1929 and 1930 as the most outstanding British driver in international events. His interest in veteran cars led him to co-found the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain in 1930 and he was active in many other motor clubs. During World War II, he served in the Royal Army Ordinance Corps (RAOC) as an engineer lieutenant. For twenty-five years he was the Sports Editor of "The Autocar" magazine. "A Racing Motorist" was his 1949 book and "Expensive Noises" was the title of his 1950 book.
Professional Race Car Driver. He was an author, artist and journalist besides being a successful professional race car driver. Born in London, Sydney Charles Houghton "Sammy" Davis began an apprenticeship at Daimler before racing on motorcycles and cyclecars. By 1921 he was recruited into the AC team before joining Aston Martins in 1922, driving a purpose-built car called the "Razor Blade" to break ten World Records and 22 National Class Records. In the 1925 Le Mans 24hr Race he partnered Chassagne in a 3-litre Sunbeam and came second. He returned the following year to partner Dudley Benjafield in a works Bentley, and although the car was badly damaged in a multi-car accident, they limped home to an emotional first place. In 1928 he raced a works Alvis and works Riley. He was awarded BRDC Gold Stars in 1929 and 1930 as the most outstanding British driver in international events. His interest in veteran cars led him to co-found the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain in 1930 and he was active in many other motor clubs. During World War II, he served in the Royal Army Ordinance Corps (RAOC) as an engineer lieutenant. For twenty-five years he was the Sports Editor of "The Autocar" magazine. "A Racing Motorist" was his 1949 book and "Expensive Noises" was the title of his 1950 book.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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