The Gladius at the 1952 Corso di Fruinia
This is a collection of the stage reports during the race.
Full report to be found under ---->LI NK
Hausmann and Schmied, in a purpose-built Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R. The car has a rear-placed boxer engine with 6-cylinders. With almost 150 claimed horsepower, it is the most powerful in this class. A spectacular finale on paper this.
Despite the inherent imbalance of the engine lay-out, the Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R is being driven impressively hard on the gravel tracks climbing the mountains. Hausmann is doing an absolutely fantastic job in keeping control, although the tuning of the suspension probably has a big role in that.
It is extremely difficult to make speed on the frost-patched surfaces this high through the Passo Senatore, but Hausmann and Schmied are just continuing with their impressive run in the #53 Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R.
Schmied has had no work, and Hausmann is smiling so much he cannot really be considered having worked hard either. It’s just the machine itself that took all the dirt, loose grit, gravel and ice this stage threw at it. Usually we are more in doubt as to who run the best time, but when you arrive early enough to scare the race organisation into rumour of unseen shortcuts and blast past the line at a blistering 200km/h, it’s hard to ignore the Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R for what it is; a winner.
Crowds have gathered around the Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R, which set the best time on the last stage, not only of this class, but of the whole Corso. The little race car gets going quickly, but on the twisty Fruscanian roads the understeer occasionally forms an issue. It’s difficult to gauge how fast the car is globally, as the engine is incredible, but the car needs to slow down seriously for the tight corners, giving it the impression of a less smooth run.
Out of Orta, the Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R yet again impresses on what should be unsuited terrain for a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive race car. The #53 car gets on the open and paved roads quickly, and then it unleashes all available power. Speeds up to 200 km/h are reached before the car enters the outskirts of Coma.
The spirit at Tannberg Motorsport was very euphoric when the news spread that the overall time standings were being led by the Gladius.
Expectations for the car were high, the company put a lot of money and effort into this, but technical troubles and handling issues kept the project on the edge up to the last days before the start.
Seeing it performing so well, even under these circumstances, makes up for a great relief at the whole Motorsport department.
Stakes are high for the Gladius. With the prototype being presented to the public last year, it would be more than welcome for it to gain some racing successes before the roadgoing version of the car is
launched. There is no better marketing for a sports car than an actual racing history.
The Corso di Fruina is not only the deput for the Gladius, but aswell for its newly developed racing engine, which is planned to be used in different setups and displacements over the coming years.Despite the euphoria, there is not a minute of rest and celebration before the race is over. The car is well taken care of, expendable parts, fluids and tires are replaced, minor damages repaired.
A breakdown would be fatal so no chances are taken. Hausmann and Schmied are advised to drive carefully and bring the car over the finish line, not pushing it unnecessarily hard and risking an accident since
overall time victory can be achieved with a solid run.
At the front, two distinct groups; one about a minute away, including the Znopresk and the BAF Romulus; the other 2 and a half minutes in the lead with the likes of the Tannberg, Suzume and Corsa.
Tense moment as we almost see a crash from the Tannberg Gladius. A bit squiggly on the breaking and almost turning into a small wall, that would have been a shock for the current leader in terms of time.
Tannberg Automobile Motorsport Report
The whole Team at TBA Motorsport was noticably satisfied by the result of the Corso. No one expected Hausmann and Schmied to take the overall time victory with the Gladius. Initial goal was to come into the top 3 within its class but being actually the quickest car of the whole corso was something no one expected.
What a great start for the just founded TBA Motorsport team and a good marketing for the car which is going to be launched in a street version very soon.
Results:
Time (of cars finishing all stages)
Position Class Car Time
1 800-1399 Tannberg Gladius 1.3 R '52 11h34
2 2200-3299 WM AeroMouse Panamerica Meyers V8 '52 12h10
3 800-1399 Cisalpina Tipo 50 Spyder '50 12h18
4 800-1399 Corsa 1337 Sports '52 12h29
5 3300-… Eagle 802 '52 12h29