The Times Cryptic Jumbo 604 October 8

[blueberry2]

Last few I'm trying to get now

42d Driver's first to set off in Nazi sports car.

S???D???R I think it's speedster, can see the SS for Nazi and D for first letter of driver - the rest is lost on me.

50d Green circuit, brown wire

O???E

55a Dead short geek admitted to sex appeal.

??E??  (Might be ??E?T if speedster correct)

47a Artist El Greco's unfinished interpretation ridiculous deal for a nicker?

?A?O? ??A?E   (5,5)

48d Tired, or retired?

????D

53a Performance of naked hippies on drug, given substance, stranded

H?R?E?A?? (this might be horsetail or horse something)

Thanks anyone who might help

[Quizmonster]

Speedster, as you say. That's 'd'...first letter in 'driver... in an anagram of 'set'...ie set off... giving 'edst' with Speer, as in Albert Speer, a noted Nazi, around it all.

[Quizmonster]

Of course, the anagram of 'set' might as easily be the letters after 'd'! Probably a better explanation, actually.

[Quizmonster]

50d Olive...ie 'o' plus 'live' as in live wire.

[Quizmonster]

55a Inert...sex appeal = IT and ner is just short of ner(d).

[valerieb1254]

53a) Horsehair??

[blueberry2]

Thanks Quizmonster, great help. And Valerieb, yes it could well be horsehair as in the musical Hair. Hope someone can answer the other queries!

[wideboy]

I like this one! 47a is RAZOR BLADE!!!!

[wideboy]

48d is BORED - or 'in bed' is retired

[blueberry2]

wideboy, what can I say! Brilliant. Only 2 left to do now. Might have to ask tomorrow!