Hi Folks.
Now I know this is a bit of a long shot, but TNF has rarely failed in the past........
Today I picked up a new project. From what I can work out so far I'm pretty sure it's an early Clubmans formula car, built to take a BMC 1000cc engine, but it could be a F1200?
Here are a few photos:
As you can see, the engine mounts suit the A series engine, and it has the small BMC back axle (I unfortunately didn't actually get the diff shown in the photos)
The back axle modifications are quite distinctive, but in it's current state without any bodywork , and the roll hoop having been removed (along with the rear bodywork support tubes by the look of it) there isn't a lot to go on by way of identifiable features, I know. The prominent projections on the sides (footwell area) are unusual, as are the wishbones, but no bodywork came with it.
So my first question is obviously: does anyone recognise it? I think that from what I have, it would probably only be a scrutineer who would recognise the chassis details!
Also, when did 1000cc stop being run in Clubmans? I assume it's when 1600 Ford power took over from the 1500cc class as well? early '70s?
All I know about the car is that it's been in storage in the current condition since the early '90s, having been bought by the proprietor of Caterham Midlands. Prior to that it may have been in North Wales or the Cheshire area. There is a suggestion from the guy who I got it from that it may have raced in Scotland, but he wasn't too sure. Both of these locations lead me towards the Northern Clubmans championship - does anyone have the details of non 'mainstream' cars which competed in the early years? By that I mean one offs, and not Mallock, Lotus etc
It does look quite similar in construction to my old Coldwell Mink chassis, so I tried contacting Bill Needham to see if he recognised it, but no joy.
I am also told that when Caterham bought it it came with a pre crossflow 1500 Ford engine (which hadn't been fitted)
One notable feature is that the roll hoop, which as been removed, appears perhaps to have been of oval section, or more accurately, rectangular with semi circular short sides. There are traces of it where it has been cut off at the rear, showing it to have been full width, rather than for the driver only. The back axle has a removable rear plate behind the diff which has clearance for the crown wheel, as normal for this type of axle, but also has 2 long, round ended 'boxes' let ito it for some reason. perhaps to increase oil capacity??
It's clear that various modifications have been made to the chassis over the years (not to as high a standard as the original build). I suspect it's been BMC engined originally, and someone has started to convert it to Ford, but not completed the conversion.
I have already picked up a 948 engine and smooth case box to start the dummy build, but I am equally keen to try and track down the cars origins if I can. It isn't going to be a quick restoration!
Any thoughts on the car or it's possible origins would be much appreciated.
Al
