Eduardo “Eddie” de Carvalho

The first Macau Grand Prix was held on 30 and 31 October 1954, with Eddie Carvalho of Portugal driving a Triumph TR2 taking the inaugural victory. Carvalho completed 51 laps in 4 hours, 3 minutes and 19.10 seconds at an average speed of 49mph (approximately 79kph). A Le Mans-style start which saw the drivers run to their cars and cover the most distance in the allotted time would win the race. This style was held for the first and only time.

The Triumph TR2 was produced by the Standard Motor Company in the United Kingdom between 1953 and 1955, during which time 8,636 cars were produced. The car used a twin H4 type SU carburettor version of the 1991cc four-cylinder Standard wet liner inline-four engine from the Vanguard, tuned to increase its output to 90 horsepower. The body was mounted on a substantial separate chassis with coil-sprung independent suspension at the front and a leaf spring live axle at the rear. Either wire or disc wheels could be supplied. The standard transmission was a four-speed manual unit, with overdrive available on top gear as an option. Lockheed drum brakes were fitted all round. The car weighed just 953 kilograms. It had a ladder-type chassis, a large boot and a long body, and was a very popular car in the USA where the car sold better than anywhere else.