Lester-Bristol
#1
Posted 16 November 2010 - 20:05
This car has appeared at autopuzzles.com some time ago and after months of guessing was identified as a Lester-Bristol. There are some doubts about this, though, because no sources report any Bristol engined cars ever made by Harry Lester. The current owner is sure about the engine. Said to be built in mid-fifties, the car is seemingly captured here during one of the first editions of Wiscombe Park hillclimbs. Are there any thoughts on the identity of this special - maybe it's a further evolution of one of Mr.Lester's cars? Could anyone with entry lists for the early Wiscombe Park events say something about Bristol engined #29?
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Hope I'm not the only one interested in this car.
Many thanks in advance
Advertisement
#2
Posted 16 November 2010 - 21:10
I'm aware of the Lester MG although I don't recognise the bodywork in the photo above. (It is reminiscent of one of the later Allards with all enveloping bodywork) The Bristol engine is/was very tall and the proportions of the bodywork look like they would have accommodated the engine.
Do you have any present day pictures of the car?
#3
Posted 16 November 2010 - 21:10
Most of course had MG power, though there were a couple with Climax FWAs, and at least one in the US powered by an Offy midget
A Bristol engine makes sense - compare Kieft and Lotus sportscars from the same period with MG and Bristol engine choices with (comparatively) little alteration
#4
Posted 16 November 2010 - 21:55
David, that's the case - no one remembers anything about Lester-Bristol. The only place I could find this combination at was racingsportscars.com - it listed such car at one of 1957 races in the States. Although, to be honest, I think that car should have been Lister, as the driver (John Norwood) was seen in a Lister for several times during the same season.
Thank you for your replies so far!
#5
Posted 16 November 2010 - 22:36
#6
Posted 17 November 2010 - 08:04
You beat me to it. I have now found a 50s entry for the Lester Riley in an old programme.
I will post details when I have finished my alloted mortning's digging. I'm just browsing whilst drinking my breakfast coffee
John
#7
Posted 17 November 2010 - 09:35
Said to be built in mid-fifties, the car is seemingly captured here during one of the first editions of Wiscombe Park hillclimbs. Are there any thoughts on the identity of this special - maybe it's a further evolution of one of Mr.Lester's cars? Could anyone with entry lists for the early Wiscombe Park events say something about Bristol engined #29?
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
I'm interested but I'm not sure I can help except to say that I've been going to Wiscombe for 30 years. I imagine this is thought to be the first corner after the start but if that is the case the topography and position of the photographer relative to the camber of the road just don't feel right to me.
I agree that this isn't the first corner at Wiscombe. Firstly there isn't room for that many cars on the outside of the first corner and secondly the firsat corner is more or less flat! I think this may have been taken at Firle.
#8
Posted 17 November 2010 - 11:49
#9
Posted 17 November 2010 - 11:55
#10
Posted 17 November 2010 - 12:27
I would say the venue is Shelsley walsh.
Bottom Esse! Of course!