Tag Archives: Ginetta

No Enthusiast Should Miss – Ginetta G.15 Coupé

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For trade stand No. 157 at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1967 Ginetta prepared a vehicle that they said “No enthusiast should miss”, the new Ginetta G.15 was billed as being capable of 100 mph and achieving 40 mpg with ‘fantastic’ road holding and all for the low price of just £849 in kit form.

Ginetta G15, Prescott

However Ginetta had over sold them selves since they had not sorted out their supply chain out sufficiently to start production until 1968. However once they got going according to Ginetta’s engineer Ivor Walkett “we could not build them fast enough” for a while Ginetta moved into a new factory to cope with the demand which eventually was just short of 800 units.

Ginetta G15, Prescott

Built around a steel space frame with glass fibre pannels the G.15 used proprietary Triumph Spitfire front suspension and like the later Clan proprietary rear mounted engine and suspension from the Hillman Imp. Ginetta also had the car type approved for turn key sales.

Ginetta G15, Russell, Prescott

The G.15 was a big hit on the tracks and hills, Chrysler engineer Brian Tavender used his in sprints with is own specially prepared motor and gearbox, until an accident at Castle Combe in 1975 Barry Wood was successful running a works backed car in the modified sportscar (Modsport) class while 3 years after production had ended in 1974 David Beams became 1977 Production Sports (Prodsports) Champion with his G.15. Two years later Alison Davis repeated the Prodsports feat to become the first woman to win an overall circuit racing championship.

Ginetta G15, Prescott

The end of G.15 production in 1974 was brought about by the usual suspects for the period, dreaded Value Added Tax (VAT), a three day working week due to fuel shortages, with the additional threat of the end of supply of the Hillman Imp motor. Several G.15s were built for the US market with Volkswagen motors and Ginetta considered using a Skoda motor to replace the Hillman unit before cutting their losses and calling it a day for the model. Subsequently Ginetta moved back to their original factory.

Today’s featured G.15 belonging to Andrew Russell was seen at Prescott a couple of years ago.

Thanks for joining me on this “No Enthusiast Should Miss” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me tomorrow when I’ll be looking at an early turbocharged Bristol. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Versatile Winner – Ginetta Zetec G12 by DARE

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A contemporary of the similarly mid engined Lotus Europa, the Ginetta G12 launched in 1966 was designed for the club racer which could be bought for £1,200 in component form.

Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

The car was built round a tubular space frame with the fibre glass panels bonded to the frame to make up the cockpit.

Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

Numerous motors were fitted to G12’s including the 1 litre / 61 cui Ford (Cosworth) SCA from formula junior, 1.5 litre 91.5 cui Coventry Climax pre 1966 Formula One Motor, 1.6 litre Lotus Twin cam as used in the Elan and Lotus Cortina models, 2 litre Martin V8 and in at least one instance a 3.5 litre / 214 cui all aluminium Buick V8.

Stephens, Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

In it’s first year of track competition was the most successful G12 driver winning 11 national races and setting 5 fastest laps in 1966. By the following year the new Chevron B6 provided stiff competition for the G12 and by 1968 it had been succeeded by the open G16. G12’s were raced internationally at Spa and the Nurburgring but without any notable results.

Stephens, Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

The G12’s were however good hillclimbers and sprinters with successes by Walter Flückiger won the Swiss Hillclimb championship in his SCA powered example in 1968 and repeated the experience in 1969 after chopping the roof off. Similarly David Render drove his Buick powered example, chassis 05, to the British Sprint Championship title in 1971.

Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

It is thought around 27 of these cars may have been built between 1966 and 1968, it appears several may have ended up in Japan. As with the Ginetta G4 production of the G12 was restarted by DARE.

Ginetta Zetec G12, Prescott

Today’s featured 2 litre / 122 cui Zetec powered example, built by DARE, is seen at Prescott where it was driven by Nick Stephens, it should be good for rest to 60 mph times in the region of 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Last time I saw it in November it was for sale, if you would like to speak to the owner do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks for joining me on this “Versatile Winner” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Race On Sunday Work On Monday – Ginetta G4 Coupé by DARE

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In 1958 brothers Bob, Ivor, Trevers and Douglas Walkett built their first car the Ginetta G1 based on a pre 1939 Wolsey Hornet in 1958, the car never went into production but a range of successive road/race vehicles, both turn key and self builds, gained a reputation for sporting prowess that has continued to this day despite the original company failing after the Walketts retired in 1989.

Ginetta G4 By DARE, Castle Combe

One of the companies most successful models was the race on Sunday work on Monday Ginetta G4 which was launched 1961 powered by a 1 litre / 61 cui motor sourced from the Ford 105E Anglia, of the type recently made famous by the Harry Potter films.

Coote, Ginetta Zetec G4 By DARE, Wiscombe Park

G4 production continued in both Roadster and, from 1963, Coupé forms until 1968. The Series III variant introduced in 1966 featured pop-up headlights, powered by a 1500cc / 90.5 cui motor a G4 was capable of 120 mph.

Ginetta Zetec G4 By DARE, Castle Combe

In 1981 a slightly longer and wider Series VI Ginetta G4 was launched. After the company had been sold in 1989 to Martin Phaff and moved to Scunthorpe it appears that continued demand for the G4 persuaded DARE UK a company based in Colchester Essex to take up production of the G4 in the mid 1990’s.

Ginetta Zetec G4 By DARE, Castle Combe

Today’s featured G4 was built by DARE UK in 2000 and is powered by a 1796cc / 109 cui Ford Zetec engine which will produce a minimum of 165 hp. The car is seen in the paddock at Castle Combe and returning to the paddock at Wiscombe Park with Exeter’s Roger Coote at the wheel.

Thanks for joining me on this “Race On Sunday Work On Monday” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a Bristol. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Christmas Came Early – Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

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Last weekend I joined my friends from the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club in the back of a Ford Transit and headed for the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham where the Classic Motor Show was in full swing.

Oldsmobile Curved Dash, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

Amongst my favourites in the seven halls packed with cars was this 5hp single cylinder 1903 Oldsmobile Curved Dash a regular runner despite spending 50 years in the USA from 1950 to 2002 virtually unused.

Austin 1800 UTE, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

Austin was a well known British manufacturer which got swallowed up in the British Motor Corporation empire, to meet demand for a pick up in the Antipodes the Australian BMC plant devised the Austin 1800 UTE (Australian for Pickup) based on the front wheel drive ‘Landcrab’ ADO 17 platform. This was the first time I had seen such a vehicle.

Aston Martin DBS V8 Ogle, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Bristol

The Aston Martin DBS V8 Ogle was a concept car commissioned by WD & HO Wills to promote the then new brand of Sotherby cancer sticks, it was first seen at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show. Among the many interesting features were an array of no less than 22 rear lights which included sequential lights for indicating, the number of brake lights showing varied according to the brake pressure applied. So far as I can discern this is one of three Wills ordered a second car in Red and White to promote it’s Embassy brand and a middle aged lady is reputed to have paid £30,000 for a third.

ISO Rivolta Fidia, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

John Lennon is known to have been a somewhat reluctant driver, but he knew what he liked in a car and that was summed up in the Iso Rivolta Fidia, the one above is the second of three that he purchased. This one is unusual because it has a Chevrolet V8 motor in place of the standard Ford V8.

Vauxhall Cavalier Sportshatch, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

In the late 1970’s and 1980’s Vauxhalls and Opels became increasingly similar above is a Vauxhall Cavalier Sports Hatch which had much in common with the second generation Opel Manta. This particular one has body kit which makes it look even more like the Chevrolet Monza that inspired the design and a non standard turbocharged motor to improve it’s performance.

Anadol A8, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

News to me at the motor show was that Turkey had an indigenous motor industry not only building vehicles from knock down kits but having a manufacturer Anadol who made cars initially to a design by the same Ogle who designed The Sotherby Special. For 1981 Anadol felt confident enough with it’s own design capabilities to launch the Ford Kent powered A8 model. Only 1013 were built when the plug was pulled in 1984. This one was driven over 5000 reliable miles to the UK from Turkey.

Daimler DS420, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Bristol

Sadly the Daimler DS420 limousine launched in 1968 was mostly made up of parts from the Jaguar parts bin including the XK engine. In fact the model was the last to be manufactured powered by the XK engine when production closed in 1992. The example seen here is from 1986/87.

Lamborghini 25th Anniversary Countach , Classic Motor Show,

Celebrating 50 years of Lamborghini production was Lamborghini Club UK who’s display included this 1988 Lamborghini 25th Anniversary Countach.

Ginetta G33, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

The Ginetta G33 continues to grow on me, ever since I saw one competing at Gurston Down earlier this year I have had a real yearning to try the model.

Bristol Fighter, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

The undisputed high light of the day for me however came when Bristol Owners Club member Mr Gibbs owner of this 210 mph Bristol Fighter, the last Bristol to be completed to date, invited me to try the drivers seat for size, wow !, what an experience at 6′ tall I do not fit comfortably in many cars, especially those with any kind of performance credibility but the Bristol fitted like a glove. After posting this blog next on my to do list is write a nice letter to a big chap with a white beared and a red and white outfit, Dear Santa …..

Thanks for joining me on this “Christmas Came Early” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow for a look at a Falcon Station Wagon. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Brits Take Morgan Hill – The 2013 British Fall Classic

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Last month Geoffrey Horton took his immaculate Jaguar XK 140 to Morgan Hill in California for The 2013 British Fall Classic and kindly shared today’s featured photographs.

The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Above Geoffrey’s Jaguar is seen on the Monterey Road in the middle of Morgan Hill.

Alvis TA 21, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

If it’s big, but slightly smaller than a Rolls or a Bentley with a red triangle on the radiator grill it’s usually an Alvis as is the case with this TA 21 one of 302 dropheads built between 1950 and 1953 powered by a 3 litre / 183 cui straight 6.

Austin Healey 100, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Austin Healey’s were obviously just made for California sunshine the drop screen and two tone paint job point to this being a BN2 built between 1955 and 1956.

Byers MG, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Jim Byers of California designed the CR90 body to fit on cars with a 90 inch wheel base, the unused body of the car seen here was found by special restorer Jim Collins at a flee market at Lime Rock in the late 1980’s and it has since been fitted to an MG A chassis to make a most attractive 122 mph vehicle.

Ginetta G4, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

This Ginetta left the UK in 1995/6 I believe it is a Ginetta G4 fitted with a 2 litre / 122 cui motor.

Jaguar XJS, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Looking at this Jaguar XJS it dawned on me that the 1980’s will be remembered for giving us colour coded bumpers. A couple of weeks ago a well known restorer of Lotus Elan’s reckoned that the XJS seats although heavy, thanks to 3 electric motors are amongst the most comfortable eve made.

Lotus Esprit, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

The failure of the Lotus Type 82 Esprit Turbo to get a decent foothold in the US market during the early 1980’s meant that it was not until 1996 that a V8 Esprit would first see the light of day in public despite the V8 having been developed alongside the 4 cylinder turbo Type 82 model.

MG A, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Above one of the 31,501 78 hp, 96 mph MG A’s built between 1959 and 1960.

Morgan, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Appropriately Morgan was represented at Morgan Hill, this appears to be a 1968 model the wire wheels suggest is probably not be a plus Eight but if you know for sure please chime in below.

Rolls Royce Corniche, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

The Rolls Royce Corniche was introduced in 1971, the colour coded bumpers and spoiler tell us that this car is a Corniche II of which 1,234 examples were built from 1986 until 1989.

Triumph Stag, The British Fall Classic, Morgan Hill, Ca

Finally a 3 litre / 183 cui V8 powered Triumph Stag, a model that started life after Giovanni Michelotti shaped a prototype from a 1963 Triumph 2000 saloon.

My thanks to Geoffrey for sharing the California sunshine and his photographs.

Thanks for joining me on this “Brits Take Morgan Hill” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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5th Tony Marsh Memorial Weekend – Gurston Down

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On Sunday I made the first of what I hope will be many visits to Gurston Down for the 5th Tony Marsh Memorial Weekend hillclimb. Gurston Down just west of Salisbury is set on a working farm and was devised by six time British Hillclimb champion Tony Marsh in 1965.

Gurston Down, Wiltshire

The course is just over a half a mile long and rises a total 140 feet, it is also the only Hillclimb in the UK that starts on a downward slope. As I found out on Sunday the facilities and viewing areas are excellent and it is no surprise to hear that Gurston Down has won the Norrie Galbraith Memorial Trophy for best organised British Hillclimb Championship event a record eight times.

Mortimer, Porsche 911, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

After a cup of tea and obligatory bacon and egg roll in the excellent restaurant on arrival I made my way up to the Ashes Bend towards the top of the hill during the opening practice runs arriving in time to observe the second practice runs. Above Bob Mortimer lifts an inside front wheel in his Porsche 911 at the apex of Ashes.

Gates, Force LM, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

On his second practice run Johnathon Gates was forced into a bit of lawn mowing at Ashes bend as the back of his car stepped out unexpectedly under braking. No damage was done and he ended the day with 8th fastest time.

Rudge, Westfield SEi, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Mike Rudge is seen correcting oversteer / push coming out of Ashes in his Westfield SEi, he easily won his class by seven seconds more surprisingly to me he finished with 9th fastest time of the day beating a number of single seat open wheel cars in the process.

Stapely-Bealing, Formula 1300, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

During her second practice run Hannah Stapely-Bealing came by showing signs of contact with the Wiltshire scenery however the car was repaired and put in two timed runs, however the motor of her Formula 1300 Clubmans car was no longer running cleanly and she was around a second off her first practice run.

Bloody Mary, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

National Motor Museum Beaulieu kindly sent along former Autosport Technical Editor John Bolsters “Bloody Mary” Special for a welcome demonstration. The special started as a project for two teenagers to scare the cow’s in a nearby field and became a successful if by all accounts rather terrifying Brough Superior powered hill climb winner.

Penfound, Lester MG, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

I was introduced to another new, to me, manufacturer at Gurston namely Lester who built MG powered cars in the 1950’s. Stewart Penfound navigates the steep and tight Karousel in his example above.

Pamplin, MG XPAG Special, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Another interesting MG was Chris Pamplin’s MG XPAG Special as listed in the programme and 1935 MG Magnette according to the registration plate.

Spicer, Ferrari 328 GTB, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Standing out from an otherwise mostly red crowd of Ferrari’s was Mike Spicers Modena Yellow 328 GTB seen approaching Deer Leap which recorded 2nd fastest Ferrari time of the day.

Fanner, Subaru Impreza, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Lewis Fanner will have given his wife with whom he shares their Subaru Impreza a scare as he spun the car going into Karousel. Fortunately he did not hit anything and returned to the paddock for his one remaining run.

Hadfield, Lotus 22, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Simon Hadfield and Geoff Hunt shared this Lotus 22, originally designed for Formula Junior competition, and finished the faster of the two albiet second in class to the more modern Ensign LNF3 driven by Fyrth Crosse.

Beale, Ginetta G33, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Over the past couple of months the lines of Graham Beales class winning Ginetta G33 have really grown on me, apparently the idea for the Rover V8 powered car was conceived on a table cloth in a pizzeria by Mark Warklett and Noel Palmer.

Street, Ford Escort XR31, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Darren Street was another who found the entry to Karousel a bit tricky in his Ford Escort XR3i, here he is seen on his way to an appointment with the hay bales. Fortunately he suffered no injuries and he eventually drove to the top of the hill under his own steam.

Lewis, St Bruno Roughcutter, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Like the Bloody Mary Special Adrian Lewis’s St Bruno Roughcutter Clubman’s car has an Autosport connection it being the creation of Barry Foley, best known as Autosports ‘Catchpole’ cartoonist. Barry built the car in the early 1970’s crediting help from a variety of sources including design input from Maurice Phillipe himself a part time Clubmans racer when not busy designing Formula One cars.

Dent, Hornet F3, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

On both of his timed runs Alistair Dent lost time when his tail got onto the grass on the exit of Karousel, which had the benefit of at least entertaining those of us watching, above Alistair is seen on his first run in the Hornet JAP powered 500 F3 car.

Chard, Mazda MX5, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

By for the most serious incident of the day was when Karl Chard left the road at Karousel and ended up going straight into the hay bales. Fortunately again Karl was unhurt which is more than can be said for the Mazda MX 5 which he shares with his brother Ian. At least all the wheels were still attached.

Flagg, Subaru Impreza STi, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

David Flagg lost 3/10ths of a second on his second timed run this display of wheel spin from his Subaru on the run to Deer Leap probably did not help his cause.

Hollier, Pilbeam MP62, Gurston Down, Wiltshire

Edward Hollier set best time of the day (BTD) running the course in 29.19 seconds in his Pilbeam MP62, both of his runs were quicker than the next fastest competitor Peter Smith who was driving a Force in the same class as Edward. Coincidentally Ed won last time that I saw him running at Wiscombe Park last month.

Another great day out at yet another great venue, if you have never been I doubt you will be disappointed.

Thanks for joining me on this “5th Tony Marsh Memorial Weekend” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

PS Shameless plug my British Grand Preview can be found at Motorsports Unplugged on this link.

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Five Star Day Dream – Silverstone Classic

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A couple of weeks ago I visited Silverstone for the launch of this years Silverstone Classic which will be run on the weekend of the 26th to 28th July.

Jaguar XK140, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

Standing just inside the gates to the Silverstone Wing were several cars to be auctioned at this years Classic by Silverstone Auctions, top billing goes to a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 which is due to go under the hammer with no reserve, perhaps slightly more affordable is 1956 Jaguar XK140 Fixedhead Coupé SE which during the 1970’s was acquired by the Reverend John Fellingham and raced with many successes. Known as the Vicars car it was subsequently prepared for, but not used in, the 1999 rerun of the Carrera Panemerica, the top end estimate for the vehicle is £65,000.

Lotus 27, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

The 23rd Silverstone classic will be run almost 50 years to the day of a well remembered British Grand Prix support race for Formula Junior cars which featured a 25 lap battle between the King of Formula Junior Peter Arundell driving a Lotus 27 similar to Alan Baillie’s example above and the Brabham BT6 driven by New Zealander Denis Hulme. Eight original Formula Junior cars that took part in the 1963 race are entered for this years Silverstone Classic Event, including Peter Arundell’s winning car driven by Micheal Hibberd, which is sure to be as hotly contested as the one run 50 years ago.

Coultard, Lotus 25, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

During the Press Day proceedings David Coultard was trying out Jim Clark’s Lotus 25 Grand Prix car, chassis R4 in which Jimmy won won seven victories on his way to his first world drivers championship in 1963, for the television camera’s to mark the 50th Anniversary of Jim Clarks first World Drivers Championship. It was great to see several of Jimmy’s Lotus mechanics in attendance including Cedric Selzer and Bob Dance. I saw a wheel chair bound Bob a couple of days earlier giving a talk to members of The Nostalgia Forum so was most surprised and pleased to see him leaping about, with seat belts and what not, while installing David Coultard into the car, recovered from sciatica.

Porsche 911, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

There will be three mass demonstrations of vehicles over the Silverstone Classic weekend including it is hoped a lap of the Silverstone circuit by 911 Porsche 911’s to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911, further demonstrations will mark the 100th anniversary of Aston Martin and the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette.

Rover 3500 P6, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

For my money the most remarkable car at the Silverstone Classic press day was this Rover 3500S, or at least that is what it resembles. The car was built at the behest of none other than the Chairman of British Leyland Lord Stokes who wanted a car that could take overall victories from the Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaro’s that were ruling the roost in British saloon car racing.

With a top speed of 170 mph the 360 hp 4.3 litre / 262 cui Traco Oldsmobile powered car seen here was entered into the 1970 86 hour Marathon de la Route run over three and a half days at the Nurburgring. Roy Pierepoint, Roger Enever and Clive Baker comfortably led for 16 hours until a propshaft vibration brought about the Rovers demise while leading a fleet of works Porsche 914/6’s by over 3 laps / 51 miles.

The Rover is scheduled to take part in the Super Car Touring Trophy, a one off race run at the Silverstone Classic last year which has become a series this year, with owner Ian Giles at the wheel.

Summerville, Ginetta 18B, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

Two races will be run for the Historic Formula Ford Series, another personal favorite series, for the first time at the Silverstone Classic. Above Paul Summerville driving a 1971 Ginetta 18B will be competing against Tiff Needell in his Lotus 69.

Trimmer, March, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

Tiff Needell’s former IBEC Le Mans team mate and former British Formula One Champion Tony Trimmer, seen above in a March Formula 5000 car powered by a Ford GA V6 motor, is scheduled to be driving in the combined Formula 2 and Formula 5000 races.

Fish, Ensign MN180, Silverstone Classic, Silvertsone

The Grand Prix Masters Formula One races are scheduled to include Simon Fish driving the Ensign MN180, another car with a Tiff Needell link his one and only Grand Prix start was driving a similar car in the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying 23rd but retiring after 12 laps with engine failure.

In all 24 races are scheduled for the Silverstone Classic powered by AA which will include plenty of fun for the whole family. BMW are sponsoring a big wheel from which the whole Silverstone site should be clearly visible. For campers there will be live music provided by The Hollies who have recently reformed along with Stars from the Commitments, while tribute bands Floyd Reloaded, Boot Led Zeppelin, The Guns and Roses Experience and the Ultimate Eagles will be catering for those with heavier tastes.

As Tiff Needell said “It will be like reliving my youth”, I can’t wait.

Entry for Silverstone Classic is by advance ticket only, which are available from the ticket page on this link, if you are an AA member to look out for the 10% discount.

Thanks for joining me on this ‘Five Star Day Dream’ edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow for the next installment of this years potted history of the Indy 500. Don’t forget to come back now !

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