Mystery car at Sywell

The day after this year's Pistons & Props (25th September) I spotted a photo on Facebook that intrigued me - but I have not been able to find it again. It was a single seater with March 712 or 713 bodywork, yellow/gold colour, race number 12 and "Kent Messenger" on the nose.  But the side panels and suspension that I could see didn't look like a March. So what was it?  Were you there that day?  Did you see it?  Was there a programme or entry list that might identify it?    

Well, that's quite tricky without you sharing the picture with us...

but the Lotus 69 was of a broadly similar form to the 712/3  (many detail differences, but somewhat similar at a glance from some angles).

Sorry I can't show the picture, I'm kicking myself that I didn't note who posted it.  Definitely March bodywork without a shadow of a doubt but I agree the 69 was similar.

 

Well, that's quite tricky without you sharing the picture with us...

but the Lotus 69 was of a broadly similar form to the 712/3  (many detail differences, but somewhat similar at a glance from some angles).

In 1973 Tony Brise was the dominant driver in that seasons three Formula Three ( yes three ! We don't even have one these days) championships, winning two and finishing runner up in the other. He was entered by Team Kent Messenger firstly in a GRD 373 before moving to a March 733 as that chassis started to prove more competitive than it's rivals. The GRD had a 'chisel' nose similar to the March 713 while the March 733 being a front radiator design used a bluff 'Tyrrell' type nose which for nearly fifty years has been popular with single seater and clubmans type special builders. So I wonder if what you thought was a March 713 is actually the ex Tony Brise GRD 373 ?

Neither a F2 nor a F3 and race number 14 rather than the 12 you mention but probably the car you have in mind?

 

 

Remembering Tony Brise, Kent's Formula 1 hope killed in plane crash with Graham Hill (kentonline.co.uk)

That's the one!!  Well done funformula. problem solved!

 

Neither a F2 nor a F3 and race number 14 rather than the 12 you mention but probably the car you have in mind?

 

 

Remembering Tony Brise, Kent's Formula 1 hope killed in plane crash with Graham Hill (kentonline.co.uk)

I think that's an Elden Formula Ford rather than the other makes. With quite a forward driving position when seen in profile.

I think that's an Elden Formula Ford rather than the other makes. With quite a forward driving position when seen in profile.

 

 

That was a No.12 https://tinyurl.com/2s3kxx7m

Coincidentally one of George Ditchfield's (the driver of number 12) competitors in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford championship is Tim Brise, brother of Tony Brise. Both compete in the over fifty class for more 'mature' drivers.