Tag Archives: Triumph

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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Theosophical Pickup – Standard Vanguard Phase II Pickup

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In 1903 by Reginald Walter Maudslay founded the Standard Motor Company in Coventry England. 42 years later after WW2, during which Standard had been involved in the production of utility vehicles and various aircraft including the Mosquito night fighter bomber, Standard recommenced production of civilian vehicles, bought the remains of the Triumph Motor Company which went into receivership in 1939 and was kept busy post war initially with the production of Ferguson Tractors.

Standard Pickup, Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham

In 1948 the all new Plymouth inspired 2 litre 122 cui Standard Vanguard Phase 1 replaced all existing models and remained in production until replaced by the Phase II in March 1953, the main external difference being the Beetle back of the Phase I being replaced by a regular 3 box 4 door saloon shape for the Phase II.

Standard Pickup, Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham

By this time Standard were also involved in the production of Rolls Royce Avon jet engines for use in Britains fleet of nuclear armed V-Bombers like the https://www.psychoontyres.co.uk/wings-wheels-dunsfold-aerodrome/12-dscn6360sc/, these motors fitted with afterburners would also form the basis of the Rolls Royce Olympus jets that were fitted to Concorde the worlds only operational supersonic passenger airliner.

Standard Pickup, Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham

Apologies I digress alongside the Phase I and Phase II passenger Vanguards Standard also manufactured Pickups which like all other Vanguards seemed to be particularly popular with the Royal Air Force. Phase II Vanguards were manufactured until 1956, a completely new body Vanguard having been introduced in 1955.

Standard Pickup, Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham

Today’s featured Pickup, seen at last years Classic Motor Show, was restored some ten years ago and was recently offered on e-bay where it was noted that a floor operated manual Triumph TR3 four speed gearbox with overdrive. The top bid for the Standard Pickup was £7,200 pounds but this was below the reserve so the car appears not to have sold.

While researching today’s blog I stumbled across this linked page for the Theosophy Wales Society who appear to be big fans of all Standard Vangards which remained in production until 1963 in the UK while production of Phase I Vanguard UTE (Pickup) continued until 1964 in Australia.

Thanks for joining me on this “Theosophical Pickup” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me tomorrow for a look at a bright green mid engined icon from Italy. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Autumn Classic – Castle Combe

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Castle Combe Circuits second Autumn Classic closed the racing season at the Wiltshire circuit for the second year running a couple of weeks ago and it proved again proved a big hit with the spectators more of whom used the event to dress up 30’s to 50’s costume than I remember last year.

Ecurie Ecosse, Commer, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

After arriving I made my way to the paddock for a Big Boys Breakfast while the practice sessions were getting underway. Above the 1959 Ecurie Ecosse 2 stroke diesel powered Commer Transporter and many ex Ecurie Ecosse team cars, including the 1960 Cooper T49 Monaco, 1961 Sebring Austin Healey Sprite and the rear engined 1962 Tojeiro-Buick Coupé will all be coming up for auction at Bonhams in December.

Triumph Special, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

There were many interesting vehicles in the car park including this sports car about which I know nothing apart from the fact it said “Triumph” on the tax disc, if you know more please do not hesitate to chime on below.

Mods, Rockers & Cops, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

After practice and before racing commenced there were several demonstrations including the one seen above featuring a selection of “mods” on their scooters and “rockers” on their motorcycles with “rozers” in hot pursuit aboard a Wolseley and Triumph Herald squad cars.

Maserati 250F, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

Nick Mason’s Maserati 250F arrived a later than intended and sadly sans Nick, but it made a welcome appearance on the track, unfortunately the PA was a little weak at Old Paddock when I took this photo so I’m not sure who was at the wheel, if you know chime in below.

Aston Martin DB3, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

The Historic Aston Martins got the afternoons racing underway, Martin Hunt driving a Fraser Nash Le Mans Replica did well to lead from second on the grid for the opening lap but it was Chris Woodgate, seen above qualifying his Aston Martin DB3 #DB3/6 on pole in the early morning mist, who led from lap 2 until the finish, while Hunt fell back to finish an eventual fifth.

Norman Dewis Trophy, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

Grahame Bull and Anthony Reid locked out the front row for the Norman Dewis Trophy for Jaguars with the #12 E Type and #33 XK120 respectively. Reid made a great race of it taking the lead on lap 2 and then again from lap six to 18 until he was slowed by a puncture which left Bull with an unassailable lead.

Big Healey Challenge, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

The Big Healey’s provided the second biggest grid of the day and by far the fiercest competition which saw five competitors trying to go unsuccessfully line abreast into the Bobbies chicane at one point ! Above the #73 Chris Clarkson / Ted Williams, #16 Eric Wolley / Dan Cox and #98 Nils-Fredrick Nyblaeus / Jeremy Welch cars fight over blagging rights for the best entry line into Tower Corner. David Grace and Anders Schildt were declared the winners after Dan Cox driving the fastest car in the race went backwards into the barriers, without injury, at Tower.

VSCC Pre War Sports Cars, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

The rather more leisurely VSCC Pre War Sports Cars race was won by Frederic Wakeman from pole abourd his Fraser Nash Super Sports but only after past a fast starting HRG driven by Andrew Mitchel who led the opening three laps. The brothers Blakeney-Edwards provided the scrap of the race Simon in the #4 Fraser Nash Shelsey got the better of Patrick in the #3 Fraser Nash Owlet Saloon to home 3rd. The brothers are seen congratulating each other on their return to the pits.

FISCAR, 50's Inter Marque, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

Andrew Sharp, seen leading in his #45 Aston Martin DB2 a above, from third on the grid managed to lead every lap of The FISCAR 50’s Inter Marque, but only after he had managed to build up a big enough to make his compulsory pit stop 5 mins before the end of the race. Nike Thorn and Johnny Todd driving the #44 Austin Healey 100S did well to finish just 0.07 seconds behind Sharp, from second on the grid, on a thrilling closing lap.

Miller Oils Formula Junior, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

The biggest grid of the day was provided by the Miller Oils Formula Junior Championship competitors. Jack Woodhouse qualified on pole in his #84 Lotus 20/22 and won the close fought race by half a second from Peter Morton who started alongside him in the rare #75 Lightning Envoyette seen above on the opening lap.

50's Lightweight Sports Racing Cars, Autumn Classic, Castle Combe

The final race of the day was for 50’s Lightweight Sports Racing Cars had eight entries of which just seven took the start. But it only takes two cars to make a race and Alex Quattlebaum proved it by taking the win from 4th on the grid in his #10 Leco MG after a race long battle with 2nd place starter Brian Arculus in his #17 Lotus IX. Brian might have won the race had he not switched his lights on which appeared to have an adverse effect on the smooth running of his motor. Alex is seen making his final pass on Brian 2 laps from home above.

And so the 2013 season of Motorsport that began with the sad loss of circuit saviour Howard Strawford, drew to a close at Castle Combe in Wiltshire, roll on 2014 !

Thanks for joining me on this Autumn Classic edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for a look at a 1990 Thunderbird. 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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Coffee, Croissant & Cars #09/13 – Avenue Drivers Club

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On second Sunday’s of the week in Bristol there is nowhere quite like Queen Square in Bristol for car enthusiasts to go for the monthly gathering of the Avenue Drivers Club.

Sunbeam 14/40, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

I managed to get down there at 8:30 am for the last meeting and already enthusiasts were coming in thick and fast. Around 2850 Sunbeam 14/40’s like the example above were built between 1924 and 1926, among novelties for the period were standard front brakes.

Abarth, 500, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Amongst those I met on the day was regular GALPOT reader Colin who owns this 2010 Abarth 500 one of the earliest imported examples of the type that did not spend it’s early life on the Hertz Rental fleet.

Triumph 2500 PI Mk2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Readers of last Tuesdays blog might remember that Brian Culcheth and Johnstone Syer drove a Triumph 2500 PI Mk2 like the 1970 example seen here to a second place on the London to Mexico World Cup Rally.

Moss Monaco, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

John Cowperthwaite designed and built the first Moss Kit Car in Sheffield around 1981, it is thought 70 Moss Monaco‘s have been built, mostly using either Triumph Herald or Ford Escort motors and running gear.

Plymouth Special De Luxe Coupe, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Plymouth’s first new model after the 1939/45 was was the Deluxe, introduced in 1946, which came with a push button on the dash to start the 95 hp straight six motor. The example above appears to be a 1948 Special De Luxe Coupé.

Ford Ranchero, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Looking like it came out of the Twighlight B&W TV series was this 1957 Ford Ranchero, which circulated the Square once before seemingly vanishing into thin air.

VW Golf VR6 MkIII, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

The secret of low riding is air suspension, this two owner Golf VR6 MkIII rides on air suspension sourced from a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) trailer.

Lincoln Continental, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Looking suitably presidential with it’s red flashing lights mounted behind the grill and suicide rear doors was this 1964 Lincoln Continental which was imported into this country in 1991.

McLaren 12C Great , Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Embarrassingly when I saw this Mclaren Great 12C I half expected Austin Powers to step out. It turns out that McLaren have been supporting an innovation initiative with these Union Jack liveried cars with the strap line, Innovation Is Great Britain.

Porsche 911 RS, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Sq, Bristol

Finally rumour had it that the owner of this Porsche RS had to break out a pick axe to remove some rubber sleeping policeman his ex wife had installed in a shared drive way, just to get the RSR bodied Porsche onto the road !

Thanks for joining me on this “Coffee, Croissant & Cars #09/13” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me for Americana Thursday tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a racing Corvette C2. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Heads and Tails Triumph – GALPOT Automobilia

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A couple of weeks ago I had a bit of a clear out whilst reorganising my library and the time has come to dispose of a number of items which may be of interest through my lightpress account on e-bay.

Triumph 2000, Advertisement, Connaissance des arts

From this weeks collection of advertisements appearing in Connaissance des arts Magazine that I posted this week is this Triumph 2000 ad from 1966 featuring a long since obsolete half crown coin balanced on the bonnet hood of a car alluding to the smoothness of the 2 litre / 122 cui straight six motor. The strap line approximately translates as “a piece (of) conviction!.”

Triumph 2500 PI MK2, Advertisement, Connaissance des arts

Four years later a Mark 2 version of the big Triumph was available know as the 2500 PI MK2 which had a Lucas fuel injected 2.5 litre 142.4 cui motor. Brian Culcheth and Johnstone Syer drove won to second place in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, which GLAPOT regulars may remember was won by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm driving a Ford Escort. The strap line to the ad approximately translates as “Triumph are cars (for the) father (of the) family. They will never reach Mexico. ”

Volvo Amazon, Advertisement, Connaissance des arts

I don’t believe there has ever been any questioning of the solidity of a Volvo built to withstand harsh Scandinavian winters and rough summer time roads, the strap line for this ad featuring a 1965 Volvo Amazon reads “The service is the car”.

Volvo 144, Advertisement, Connaissance des arts

While working for a Volvo dealer in London I acquired a fair number of clapped out Volvo 140’s and enjoyed running them into the ground before sending them to the scrap dealer, the strap line for this ad translates as “Volvo: heads and tails”.

Thanks for joining me on this Heads and Tails Triumph addition 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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Coffee, Croissant & Cars #06/13 – Avenue Drivers Club

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As the height of summer approaches flooded in rays of real sunshine it was a pleasure to amble down to Queen Square on Sunday not dressed up like Scott of the Antarctic prepared for sub zero temperatures and floods.

Nash Ambassador, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Sunday’s Avenue Drivers Club meeting was easily the busiest I have ever seen with at least a couple of hundred cars passing through for at least a cruise or like me a piece of cake and cup of tea with fellow petrol heads. Above first time I ever recall seeing a 1947 Nash Ambassador in the flesh.

Opel Ascona DL, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The late 1970’s early 1980’s Opel Ascona DL like the 1980 example seen above shared many parts with the Vauxhall Cavalier except the Vauxhall had a droop snoot nose. The ATS alloy wheels are correct for the period.

BSA Ten Peerless Coupé, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Sharing a common chassis with a Lanchester 10 is this 1933 BSA Ten Peerless Coupé, the fluid fly wheel combined with the 1175 cc / 71 cui 4 cylinder is not likely to set the world on fire in terms of performance. The owner has found that fitting a modern electric fan helps keep the water temperature at a reasonable level on the hills interestingly the motor has no water pump and is dependent on hot water rising in the radiator for water flow.

Ford, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Hot rods were present in large numbers, this one appears to have started life as a 1970 Ford, according to the official records, it now carries a 5.3 litre / 323 cui motor with six twin choke carburetors.

Excalibur, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

There were two Excaliburs present, built in Milwaukee I beleive they used to be powered by Chevlorlet Corvette motors but I am not sure if that is still the case. This is the first 2+2 Excalibur I have ever seen.

Triumph Spitfire Mk II, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Of the many Triumphs present this 1967 Spitfire Mk II caught my eye, perfect for a summers day.

Opel Manta 4.0, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

My friend Ted told me this Opel Manta is powered by a 4 litre / 244 cui V8, unfortunately he is not to sure of the origins of the motor but those air intakes which replace the inner front lights look like a hot item.

Daimler SP 250, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Another perfect summer car was this 1962 Daimler SP250, the owner certainly seems to be enjoying it.

Lambretta, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Just as I was leaving a load of Scooters from the Bristol Mods turned up, somewhere under all those lights I believe is a Lambretta judging by the logo on the helmet.

Looking forward to seeing who turns up at the next Avenue Drivers Club meeting on July 14th.

Thanks for joining me on this “Coffee, Croissant & Cars #06/13” 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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