9 replies to this topic

[Steve L]

I have been lucky enough to acquire this great little car and intend to have a lot of fun driving it on the road and in suitable speed events.

 

It is a genuine pre war special built by Callington Motors Ltd (Morris dealership) in Cornwall in 1936 based on a Morris chassis frame, but with axles, brakes and steering from an MG TA.  At first a supercharged side valve 918cc Morris engine was used but in 1939 this was swapped for a 1250cc XPJM OHV Morris unit (the precursor to the XPAG series).

 

The car was used and developed from 1936 until the early 1970’s and was a true all rounder, being used for circuit races, hill climbs, speed trials and mud plugging trials.  Pre war it was driven by Charles Burleigh and then post war by Ashley Cleave.  It ran at Brooklands, Poole, Brighton, Lands End, Davidstow, Castle Combe, Shelsley Walsh, Prescott and many other events.  Bill Boddy wrote an article about the Morris in Motor Sport magazine in 1973, and there was also a similar write up in Autosport in 1969.  I have found quite a lot of information and photos on the internet but I would be very grateful to see any pictures and hear any memories anyone may have relating to the car.

 

Many thanks!

Edited by Steve L, 25 November 2017 - 13:48.

[RS2000]

During a traditional "school leaving summer" holiday in August 1966, when Fistral Bay, Newquay, was the UK centre of a "California Surfing" scene, I dragged others along to the Trengwainton hill climb because I wanted to check out the Minis that were competing. I was amused and amazed to see Ashley Cleeve in this car running with the "moderns" and so staggered when I saw the times set that I spent the next 22 years rallying and only then competed in my first hill climb.
Chris Mason's book "Uphill Racers" mentions the car and I think includes a photo.

[Rupertlt1]

See: https://revslib.stan...earch_match=any

 

Also raced at Brunton Hill Climb - see thread this forum.

 

RGDS RLT

[Steve L]

Many thanks for your contributions.

 

The Great Auclum photos from the Revs Institute are particularly good and I will have to buy copies.

 

Ashley certainly put up some good times and performances in the car including many outright wins in mud plugging trials and FTDs and Class Wins in sprints and hill climbs.

[Steve L]

Bumping this back to the top.

 

I'm a bit surprised there haven't been more replies, especially from South West England members where the car seems to have run in events almost every weekend for around 30 years!

 

There must be some more memories and photos etc out there somewhere?

[Rupertlt1]

See: http://forums.autosp...d/#entry8133881

 

Also B.A.R.C. Archives at Thruxton.

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 01 December 2017 - 10:00.

[Stephen W]

I would have posted a lot of scans from old magazines however, TNF doesn't accept my choice of 'storage solution' and I am disinclined to change at their whim.

[Steve L]

Thanks gentlemen.

Stephen, I would be very grateful to see the scans please. I will drop you a PM.

Edited by Steve L, 01 December 2017 - 12:10.

[Steve L]

Just bumping this thread back to the top over this festive period in the hope that it may spur a contribution or two! 

[Rupertlt1]

Ashley Cleave, #28 at Trengwainton Hill Climb, 23 April 1962:

 

https://www.progcove...inton620423.pdf

 

RGDS RLT