We will, as I wrote last month, be in Hall 3 stand 490 at the NEC Classic Car Show this month. The discount code is CCCNOV5260 see :- www.necclassicmotorshow.com/ticket-information
Furthermore, in last month’s newsletter I mention we would have on display, the ‘Frazer Nash’ SP250. I have been asked a couple of times what is it?
The answer is on below, Sean Mooney in his SP250 had a little accident, it flipped over and deposited him in a ditch with the car on top on him.
Long story short, in Phoenix fashion, Sean gave the car another ‘life’ as a born-again Frazer Nash SP, complete with Daimler grille. It is picture here at Angouleme in September where Sean drove down and back and competed the ‘Circuit of Ramparts’ without any issues.
I have added this clip so you can read all about the successful Duncan Black SP which is also on the stand:- http://www.racing-sp250.co.uk/Duncan-Black.html
Additionally, the three other SPs, are those of Martin Eady with the ex-Piers Townsend race car, where we are hoping to pick up on what Martin has in store with the car, Paul Castaldini besides race prepping E-Types – also makes windscreens for the SP – either heated, tinted or just plain and Jim Davies who polishes his car until his fingers shine! Jim’s SP is fitted with day running lights and other safety aspects.
Alan Mason will have on sale the 2026 SP250 Calendars he has produced, if you not coming to the show drop Alan an email on soaring.ace@btinternet.com to purchase a copy.
Alan is also taking preliminary bookings for next year’s Spa Classic 22nd – 24th May. This I must say is a jolly good trip where we take complete ‘ownership’ of an hotel and when that is filled, nearby local accommodation.
There has been a reply, in the letters’ page, in the November edition of The Automobile magazine to the extensive article that Giles Chapman penned on the DSP 250. Wherein the writer considered the design of the DSP better than of the SP itself – ‘beauty lies in the eye of the beholder’. Then continues that the best SP based derivative of all was the Ogle SX250 designed by the late David Ogle for ‘mystery man’ Boris Forter – the then UK managing director of cosmetics group Helena Rubenstein. Forter was hoping to achieve at least 6 sales of the SX250, to help defray initial costs, alas only two were completed, both of which are extant. I am pleased to say one is now in the custody of David Ogle’s son Chris and is being restored.
The ‘Ogle’ design went onto to greater heights as the Reliant Scimitar Coupé. The article also pictures an ‘estate car’ based special that leading motor racing handicapper Alan Lupton created by grafting a Bond rear body shell on to an SP front end with E Type leanings. This too survives to this day as a standard SP250. Alan had no less than 4½ SPs! The writer, continues that he, was of the opinion that the ‘Fish Tank’ SP created by engineer Anthony Croucher was the ugliest of all. Likewise mentioned is the Carpanini special that had SP underpinnings with MGB GT rear end styling – a true 100MPH plus five-seater GT, whilst its front end came from a much-modified Wolseley 6-90 grille. All-in-all this creation sought panels and parts from the likes of VW, Ford and others. It was capable of 103MPH in 3rd at 6500RPM!
As you see below, Manuel De Souza-Girao and his wife as co-driver were flying, in more ways than one, the SP flag at the recent Targa Florio, in Palermo a fortnight ago.
As complete novices they did exceptionally well by coming 58 out of 118 beating many experienced Mille Miglia veterans. A valiant effort indeed.
Many were the compliments heaped on their SP, receiving much more praise that a 250 MM and a Gullwing, such as a “rare beauty, a true classic and beautiful engine with a wonderful sound”.
Wanted a good condition B/C spec LHD SP250. France is ideal; however, other Continental countries are fine.
And Finally……….
Chris Johnson came upon this 1960 photograph taken at the old cattle market Walmgate Bar, York. Chris remembers seeing also a Mountain Blue SP in the neighbourhood. Any ideas as to the identity of this one.
Such an iconic period shot with the R-Type Bentley, the old-style sign posts no yellow lines, no traffic wardens, maybe just a market porter saying “You may Park here Sir” – days long gone!
Thought for the day: Lawyers believe a man is innocent until he runs out of cash
