10-04-2023, 10:17 PM
Actually the Ruby is pretty good at climbing. It is subjected to quite serious challenges as it is the recce car of choice for historic tour planning, partly because being a saloon allows maps to be read and notes to be made in any weather. Over the years a good many hills mentioned in Nicholson, Cowbourne and of course by our own distinguished historian Julian Hunt have been attempted. A few serious climbs have required first, but only one ever caused a failure, that is Bushcombe, climbing up to Cleeve Hill. This produces perhaps the most alarming Seven experience, having to reverse down a very steep bank. There are probably far more skilled drivers than myself, to whom it would seem very easy trying to see behind whilst attempting cadence braking with the brake lever and desperately hoping that the navvy/passenger has successfully diverted uphill traffic into field gates and farm entrances. It is perhaps on a descent when the Ruby's extra weight is mot noticeable!