14 replies to this topic

[BritishV8]

I've just published a mammoth article on Harry Lester, his Lester MG racecars, and specifically on the first and arguably most successful of his tube-chassis cars: "KUR4". This was the first Lester MG to be shipped to North America. Possibly some of you will recall that Duncan Black drove it quite well, upsetting some famous drivers in more modern cars (e.g. OSCAs) and on occasion much more powerful cars (Jags, Ferraris, Allards, etc.) The article features over fifty photos. I attempted to document both the car's original form and also how it was modified throughout its lengthy career.

Here's the link: Duncan Black's 1949 Lester MG - KUR4

It's hard to proof and to fact-check such a long article. If you spot errors, inaccuracies, or glaring omissions please shoot me a p.m. so I can iron them out.



One quick question... do any of you remember the Blandford Camp circuit? I'm about 98% confident it's the setting for this photo, but if that doesn't seem right to you please let me know!

[David Birchall]

It is a very interesting car but am I the only one who wishes it was presented the way it was designed-not the way it was developed?
This is often (usually?) the problem with one offs--the specification is too "Flexible" for it to have real historic significance...

[Ted Walker]

The first photo could be Blandford Camp but the second one was taken at Great Auclum (looks like a James Brymer/Ferret Fotographics copyright)

[Sharman]

The first photo could be Blandford Camp but the second one was taken at Great Auclum (looks like a James Brymer/Ferret Fotographics copyright)

Ted
I may be slightly off, but would that be Jan Brymer rather than James?

[Ted Walker]

No its James Brymer I have over 2000 Rolls of film tp prove it !!!!!!

[Eric Dunsdon]

That circuit certainly looks like Blandford but in its current form the car doesnt look anything like the Lester-MG that I saw in 1952!.

[RWB]

The first picture is Harry Lester at Blandford 27-8-49.

[BritishV8]

It is a very interesting car but am I the only one who wishes it was presented the way it was designed-not the way it was developed?
This is often (usually?) the problem with one offs--the specification is too "Flexible" for it to have real historic significance...

This car's in-period modifications are fascinating and important. Without them, it would have been retired early and therefore would have had far less historic significance. Remember: this car was still winning important races in 1955, six years after it was built! How many other Lester MGs can claim that? Think about the time period this car spanned. Roadracing moved from public road circuits, to airport and military base circuits, and finally to purpose-built racetracks. This car ran right at the front on all three. Some of its later races had its biggest audiences: 43000 spectators at Cumberland, 60000 spectators at Montgomery, etc. - so this car might look unfamiliar to UK readers, but it doesn't look so unfamiliar to a lot of race fans on this side of the pond.

However, for those who want to see "the way it was designed", I tried pretty hard to include that in my article. In addition to about fifty close-up shots (e.g. suspension details), I presented an under-construction photo, a completed-but-not-yet-raced photo, and three early racing-action photos. I have more photos, but I thought the article was running a little long.

[JMH]

It is what it is I guess, top marks for being honest & open about the new chassis - if only everybody was like that there would be a lot less pain & grief in the world of historics!



JH

[David Birchall]

BritishV8, I agree with the points you make above. However, may I make a suggestion-for you to pass on to the owner? Reinstall the original nose piece! As it mentions in the article, it was probably the original radiator core that was causing overheating problems so it should be possible to run with the original nose. It would make the car look far more 'period'.

[fivestar]

A couple of early photos of KUR 4 courtesy of OLD CLASSICCAR

Uploaded with ImageShack.us




Uploaded with ImageShack.us

BritishV8, I agree with the points you make above. However, may I make a suggestion-for you to pass on to the owner? Reinstall the original nose piece! As it mentions in the article, it was probably the original radiator core that was causing overheating problems so it should be possible to run with the original nose. It would make the car look far more 'period'.

Edited by fivestar, 02 April 2012 - 03:23.

[uechtel]

I am by no means MG expert, but a very lovely special to see!

[fatbaldbloke]

A couple of Lesters have been modelled recently by an artisan spanish modeller. Nice kits and they build well.

[BritishV8]

More information about this car has landed in my e-mail inbox, and bit-by-bit I'm amending the article to include it.

Jim Blakeney provided some cool photos of James Stoup racing KUR4, evidently on four different weekends (one might be from 1957, and at least two are from 1961.)

Here's a favorite. The article contains others, plus captions...

(Vineland, New Jersey circa 1961 as photographed by Maryel Miller.)

Previously I thought it was James Miller who carved up the original Lester aluminum nose cone, but now I've found photographic evidence that it happened before Miller owned the car. Duncan Black is shown racing with the crudely-cut nosecone here, circa October 1955: http://straightpipem...om/archives/810

[Rupertlt1]

Great Auclum Speed Trial, Sunday 23 July 1950

Class 1 (Sports Cars up to 1100 c.c. unsupercharged)

#3 H. Lester, M.G., 1087 c.c.

 

RGDS RLT