AC Cars Post War
AC cars present terms - most people would remember or hear the AC Cobra - while the Yanks call it a Shelby Cobra Personally I filed them under AC - AC chassis ; AC body but Shelby did the installation and modfication of drive chain - part buil;t in the UK ; part built by Shelby
But there are AC's cars where there is cetainly little information about the cars out there particularly the little known AC 2.0 Saloon (Looked looked more like a Coupe) and was in production around 1946-to far as 1956) Most enthusists would have heard of 2.0 Saloon as 2 door however it seems from 1953 a 4 door variant was produced and number of woody estate
Road testers of time only tested the 2 door saloon - I found no record of any mention of 4 doors or woody estates both UK ; Australia. However last 10 years a number of 4 doors are coming out of hiding and a few of Woody Estates and even a convertible variant not to be cofused with Bucklands that more Roadster which I will also will cover
Below is References I have at present and this includes those that come up for sale
2.0 SALOON 1948-1956 (2 door saloon , more a coupe in appearance)
2.0 SALOON 1948
News Stories Brief
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 6 Issue 17
News Stories -Preview
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 27 Issue 10
2.0 SALOON 1953
The Motor (GB) 1952 OCT 8th page Suppl 1 page
Road Tests
The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 21th Pages 232-234
Motor test 18/49 Reg MPK 44
2.0 SALOON 1952
The Autocar (GB) 1952 SEP 19th (not in present in National Archives in NZ when I documented them one of their gaps assume is a 2 door saloon)
Used Test
2.0 SALOON 1951 COUPE
Autocar (GB) 1958 JAN 24th page 118
Used Test #120 (bugger I did not take down the reg!)
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) Featured in modern Press Discussion / Driving Impression
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1993 NOV Page 92+ (not documented at present)
2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Practical Classics (GB) 2002 DEC
A Reader discusses his experience of ownership (not documented by me yet)
2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 NOV Pages 86-95 Volume 17 Issue 2
5 way comparsion driving impression in the UK this car is Reg OPK 973 it is vs Ford Zephyr; Rover 75; Sunbeam -Talbot; Triumph Renown;feature comparsion by Brian
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) turned up in Auctions & For Sale
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1985 JUL Page 104 Vol 4 Issue 4Classifieds Restoration ; from tel 0277 area of the UK
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1948
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 NOV Page 93 Volume 4 Issue 7
Classified but no photo in the UK Seller claims its the 49th built ; mech and structually sound, condition 2, used daily mot april 84 offered for sale for 1100 pounds and as of 1983 the seller could be contacted at Tel Nantwich 626318
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1949
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1977 NOV Page 66 Volume 5 Issue 2classified but no photo; purchased at 1949 Motor show, car discribed as light green ;has 70000 miles on the clock selling for 1195 pounds ; from the Highcliffe area UK
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1950c
Old Motor (GB) 1981 DEC Page 85 Volume 3 Issue 12
Classified but no photo, car has an aluminium body -vendor says car has am interesting history (what is that -that would have been a selling point!) geniune reason for sale offered for 1400 pounds and comes with many spares Vedor contact as of 1981 was Peterborough 73639
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Autocar (GB) 1973 FEB 8th Page 59 Volume 138 Issue 4002
Classified but no photo in AC section - AC OH eng; Vendor was based in Station Cottage Alleston; Pickering Yorkshire as of 1973
2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1977 JAN Page 60 Volume 4 Issue 4Classified but no photo: Reg HAY943 good cond ; best offer for sale 1977 tel 051-426-9347 car in the UK
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1976 DEC Page 65 Vol 4 Issue 3 Reg 4Classified but no photo:DFC 443; grey orig reg book ; body/mech good vendor based in UK from tel Suckley 331
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Factory 3 Carb version
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 AUG Page 88 Volume 5 Issue 11Dealer Classified but no photo ; Factory 3 carb version ; factory service rescord ; original tools hand built al body ; one owner most of its life offered for 990 pounds and Dealer in 1978 was: Motorspot north Kilworth ; 4 miles exit 20 M1 rel Mkt Harborough 880626
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 432 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo;car neede new headling ; carpets has miliage of 25000 miles approx offered for 975 pounds car is discribed in body colour Birch grey and seller back in 1976 was based at Chessington; GB- 01-397 1769
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD
Old Motor (GB) 1981 AUG Page 80 Volume 3 Issue 8
classified no photo based in the UK ; Vedor open to offers, a prize winner, car was pictured in Automobile Quartely, car has low miles since comprehensive rebuild.been rallying, has spares & documents; Car is Metallic beige with red interior, contact details are Radcliffe on Trent 2424 Notts
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD -Auction mention
The Automobile (GB) 2006 JUL Page 18 Volume 24 Issue 5
Brief mention in an auction , no photo of car, car has then 60000 miles on the clock ; its had a recent respray and was sold at auction Brightwells at Leominster 10th may 2006
2.0 SALOON 1953 Fitted -2.6 engine
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 JUN Page 83 Volume 4 Issue 2
Classified but no photo, car based in the UK; has been after market fitted 2600cc engine, used regularly, car has original hand book but no mot as owner retiring aluminium body, car recently resprayed 1450 pounds but or offers Contact details Tel 01-399 5546 UK
Export Cars
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct Page 104 Issue 278 Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration car is in South Australia Car has Engine number: UMB1877W wearing Registration RAA-546 (SA) body colour is Cream and contact details of vendor as of 2007 was South Australia 0411 668 595
2.0 SALOON 1951 RHD roof removed Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct 3-30 Page 214 Issue 278Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration modified to tourer South Australia $5000 this car has Engine Number UMB1682W
Same vendor as above Unique Cars and same vendor; with car body colour Blue
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Canada!
Road & Track (US) 1970 MAR Page 123 4Classified but no photo: Car in Canada car for sale by JD Barnsley; Winnipeg; Manitoba; CND as of 1970 (has it surived?)
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand Factory 3 Carb version
Beaded Wheels **(NZ) 1984 OCT-NOV Issue 150
Classified but no photo :with 2 spare alloy bodies +triple carbed AC eng needs main bearing from Auckland enthusist who is going overseas -Vendor was base in the Auckland area; NZ
(** Beaded Wheels is magazine Produced by Vintage Car Club INC NZ)
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand
NZ Classic Car 1995 JUL Page 128 Volume 5 Issue 7 Classified +small black and white photo: fitted with non orig engine 1 of 6 in the country offered for $1000 NZ Vendor as of 1995 contact details was Wellington area Kapiti 04 298 3287
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD Export car in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 1984 DEC-JAN Page 37 Issue 145
classified but no photo ; discribed as 80% complete for sale 1984; Auckland area
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up -Banger Raced!
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2004 MAR Page 11 Volume 22 Issue 12
News & Events just a mention and colour photo -Rare classics destroyed entered by a local Garage Prop at Oct5th Classic Banger Day at Hednesford Hills mentions other rare classics a DS450 Hearse ; 60s Humber Hawk; 60s US Plymouth Valiant (Whats point of racing one of these -Banger Racer is an Idiot!)
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up as -Discovery
Practical Classics (GB) 2005 MAY page 38
Rust in Peace - in the Gloucester & Chapslow Edited by Brian Cox ((not documented at present although working through them as we speak!)
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up Shows, Club Rallys and other events
2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Restored Cars (Aus) Page 17 Issue 55
a black and white photo of car in Australia wearing Reg AC-1950;Geoff Bott car at Annual Concours at Castle Hill organised by Council of Veteran Vintage and Thoroughbred car clubs 19th annual on display part of report feature by Bruce Neasmith
2.0 Saloon (coupe) where a owner & Restorer is looking parts (Often a Goldmine of info as gain the full contactee's postal address and other details)
2.0 SALOON 1951-1952 Export in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 2006 OCT-NOV Page 40 Issue 282Parts Wanted Classified , car based in New Zealand , Needed is engine front brakes Contactee is Ian 07 863 3554 or bhdaly@paradise.net.nz as of 2006
2.0 Saloon 4 door (David Howard Cars says only only 29 were made see* While Roger Bishop who owned 1956 says 48 who is correct?)
As mentione in my introduction I have never found a test of a car when new or even one reviewed in modern times - I only knew of their exsistence when they turned up for sale!
For Sale by a Dealer
2.0 SALOON 1950 4D (4D= Four door)
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 FEB Page 172 Volume 16 Issue 5Dealer Classified , car is in the UK; stored many years car is black with beige upholstrey; Dealer Vendor was David Howard Cars of Ranvilles Farm; Romsey Hampshire according to dealer it was 1 of 29 4 doors made!*
For Sale others
2.0 SALOON 1953 4D
Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 437 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo; engine requires attention; has spare engine spares offered for only 60 pounds! Vendor as of 1976 address was Potter; 3 Larkfield Road; Farnham ; Surrey
2.0 SALOON 1953 4D
RRC (GB) 1989 MAY Page 119 Volume 2 Issue 2
Classified for sale but no photo as of 1989 -4 door saloon contact details are Tel 048883119 Berks car photographed with 59 Reliant Regal
2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 OCT Page 79 Volume 6 Issue 1Classified+ no photo ;supreb condition al body on ash frame offered in 1978 for 2100 pounds contactee : Tel 01 422 8749 or 01 578 4816
2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)1986 MAY Page 116 Volume 5 Issue 2Classified but no photo ; hand built al body on ash frame owned by advertiser for 15 years ; in superb condition 3250 pounds, contactee tel 01 5784816 or 01-422 8749
2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2005 JUN Page 126;132
Classified + small colour photo blue metallic; with 65000 miles ; fsh offered for 6900 pounds ; Sussex area and contactee info www3.mistral.co.uk/ict/ac/ Joe Tavani
2.0 SALOON 1956 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2007 MAR Page 183 Volume 25 Issue 12Classified + small photo restored in and out offered for 9000pounds Seller here says it was 1 of 48 built? Contact as of 2007 was roger.bishop@bishopsmove.com car is registed 425 HWG; body colour is Dark Blue
Discovery
2.0 SALOON 1953c 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2006 SEP Page 53 Rust in peace -part of cache of cars spotted in Berkshire car was green (outside a former petrol station in Berkshire; GB (is this same car advertised for sale in 1989?)edited) by Brian Cox
2.0 DHC (DHC=Drop head Coupe, Convertible (seems to have been sold just for Export)
2.0 1950 DHC
The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 7th Page 155
News Section and photo For export markets initially
The Motor (GB) 1950 OCT 4th page 193
News Section just a bw photo and caption model shows wears Reg LNK 289
2.0 SALOON Estate Woody
Discovery
2.0 SALOON 1951 Estate
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2003 NOV Page 26 Volume 22 Issue 8
Lost and Found :chassis# EHX1776 shipped to Denmark by England & Parnott local coachbuilder used as a Taxi ; Ch1775 also shipped out but no records exsist car was ex Mrs Anna Christensen 4 yrs ; now Dr Tom Dine
Bucklands Roadster
to be continued
Book References
Book to Refer to regarding AC 2.0 and Bucklands is by Leo Archibald; pub by Veloce Publishing ; ISBN 1-903706 24-6
and review of that book was done by review by DH
Practical Classics (GB) 2003 MAR Page 15 Issue 3
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
BADSLEY (ZA) 1979-1985
BADSLEY (ZA) 1979-1985
Bill Badsley was a South African? who made his creations, and during mid 80s he tried to sell some in the UK but was unsuccessful
The Only Reference I have is one of these cars that was over in the UK and artcle gives a driving impression of car ; tech specs and Profile of man and manufacturer
Car in question is called a Bullett
See:
PROFILE & Bullet 3 Wheeler
Sports Car World Quartely (Aus) 1982 JAN-MAR Pages 6-10 Vol 42 Issue 3
Written by Bill Buys
Bill Badsley was a South African? who made his creations, and during mid 80s he tried to sell some in the UK but was unsuccessful
The Only Reference I have is one of these cars that was over in the UK and artcle gives a driving impression of car ; tech specs and Profile of man and manufacturer
Car in question is called a Bullett
See:
PROFILE & Bullet 3 Wheeler
Sports Car World Quartely (Aus) 1982 JAN-MAR Pages 6-10 Vol 42 Issue 3
Written by Bill Buys
BACCHUS (AUS) 1960s
BACCHUS (AUS) 1960s
This was believed to be a local Australian sportscar manufacturer maker of which only 5-6 were made; and there simply little or no information around on it thought to have been around in the 1960s
The Only Reference is reply to a letter from a reader who had one as of 1984
Reference
Wheels (Aus) 1984 JUL page 138 in letters section from Australian reader and Ed of Wheels replies giving contact information & address of a expert on the subject.
This was believed to be a local Australian sportscar manufacturer maker of which only 5-6 were made; and there simply little or no information around on it thought to have been around in the 1960s
The Only Reference is reply to a letter from a reader who had one as of 1984
Reference
Wheels (Aus) 1984 JUL page 138 in letters section from Australian reader and Ed of Wheels replies giving contact information & address of a expert on the subject.
BAC (GB) 1983
BAC=British Auto Company of Somerset founded by Simion Sander (ex Tickford Engineering)
The company appears to have only been around for 1 year in 1983 and they build a custom made Mini Less then 20 are thought to have been made
The car they made was called a M-30 MINI
References
M-30 MINI (Customised)
CAR Magazine(GB) 1989 OCT page 131
Wheels column by Richard Bremner -wisdom spending 25,446 pounds on a Mini!
Driving Impression and Preview of vehicle with specs
Motorsport (GB) 1989 SEP pages 936-938 car driven had Reg F965 CTX
3 Way Test
Performance Car (GB) 1989 SEP 62+
vs ERA Mini Turbo, Mini SX
Have not had pleasure of documenting yet)
The company appears to have only been around for 1 year in 1983 and they build a custom made Mini Less then 20 are thought to have been made
The car they made was called a M-30 MINI
References
M-30 MINI (Customised)
CAR Magazine(GB) 1989 OCT page 131
Wheels column by Richard Bremner -wisdom spending 25,446 pounds on a Mini!
Driving Impression and Preview of vehicle with specs
Motorsport (GB) 1989 SEP pages 936-938 car driven had Reg F965 CTX
3 Way Test
Performance Car (GB) 1989 SEP 62+
vs ERA Mini Turbo, Mini SX
Have not had pleasure of documenting yet)
Friday, January 15, 2010
B ENGINEERING ( I ) 2001-?
Source for image not mine -is www.supercars.net/gallery/129612/1268/573000.jpg
B ENGINEERING ( I )2001-?
Edonis car Designed by Marc de Champs (F)
created by ex bugatti staff headed by Jean -Marc Borel the man who was formally present of Bugatti holdings international owes its orgins to 1991 Bugatti 110S but modernised and improved
I have 2 references both when a car is driven - No doubt lot more out there since
Preview, Profile of the firm and driving impression "The Edonist"
See: 14th Feb 2001 Autocar (GB) Pages 54-55;57;59 Volume 227 Issue 5421 this car was registered and may have been the pre-production proto Reg MO 2951 ( I )words by Peter Robinson
Test comparsion vs 1992-1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport; the offspring ;tech specs for edonis v12 60v twin turbo mid 3760cc 6spm car reg XOP2 3564
See: April 2005 EVO (GB) Page 78-85 Issue #78 feature by John Barker
b+b AUTO EXCLUSIVE SERVICES ( D ) 1978 -
b+b AUTO EXCLUSIVE SERVICES ( D ) 1978 -Still going today doing Mods on Audis and VWs
A german styling house that modified and custom built cars for the very wealthy particular Arab Clients and produced a number of their customs to be display at varrious European Car Shows they seemed to have had their peak in early 1980s, They did produce a number of stand a lone cars particularly the very Mercedes-Benz C111 influenced car with Mercedes-Benz Blessing called the CW311 later to be produced on a limited basis as ISDERA (D)although since 1980s I have not seen one My guess their clients were again the Arabs and perhaps the Sultan of Bruneii has one or two?
So What References do I have?
PREVIEW of some of the CARS and profile of the company 1980
See March 1980 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 56-59 See January 1981 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 78-80
See January 1981 Wheels (Australia) Page 122
Some of the cars
MERCEDES BENZ CW 311 later to go into limited production as the
ISDERA (D)
a preview and driving impression was done by German Language Automotive magazine weekly Auto Motor und Sport (D)in 1978 Issue 4 (but I have not documented it myself) However For those of us who want English
See: Jnuary 1979 Road & Track (US)Page 28-34
PORSCHE 928 TARGA version was produced
See: Feb-April 1980 Sports Car Quartley (Australia) Page 48-49 Volume 41 Issue 1 a feature by European correspondent ;by Jerry Sloniger (who may have also had same article in Autocar as he free lance for them too .)
PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA a preview feature by Richard Laurence
See: November-December 1982 Alternative Cars (GB) Page 22-24
PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA 86 that was former Geneva Show car of 1986 turned up for sale by a dealer in the UK -Details:- 11000 miles; white with black and white int bb 1 off ;Fine Car Specialists - unit 2 Rutland st ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE LANS 0I6 6GTX
See: June 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 261 Volume 15 Issue 3
VW GOLF CABRIO b+b (quite a few were made)
Preview of one in a US magazine
See: October 1980 Motor Trend (US) Page 70
Today they continue to offers mods on sports Audis and Volkswagens their latest is the Audi TTS Coupe and VW Scirocco
Source -image not mine from
http://fancytuning.com/2009/03/bb-vw-scirocco/
whom also give a brief history of the firm
A german styling house that modified and custom built cars for the very wealthy particular Arab Clients and produced a number of their customs to be display at varrious European Car Shows they seemed to have had their peak in early 1980s, They did produce a number of stand a lone cars particularly the very Mercedes-Benz C111 influenced car with Mercedes-Benz Blessing called the CW311 later to be produced on a limited basis as ISDERA (D)although since 1980s I have not seen one My guess their clients were again the Arabs and perhaps the Sultan of Bruneii has one or two?
So What References do I have?
PREVIEW of some of the CARS and profile of the company 1980
See March 1980 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 56-59 See January 1981 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 78-80
See January 1981 Wheels (Australia) Page 122
Some of the cars
MERCEDES BENZ CW 311 later to go into limited production as the
ISDERA (D)
a preview and driving impression was done by German Language Automotive magazine weekly Auto Motor und Sport (D)in 1978 Issue 4 (but I have not documented it myself) However For those of us who want English
See: Jnuary 1979 Road & Track (US)Page 28-34
PORSCHE 928 TARGA version was produced
See: Feb-April 1980 Sports Car Quartley (Australia) Page 48-49 Volume 41 Issue 1 a feature by European correspondent ;by Jerry Sloniger (who may have also had same article in Autocar as he free lance for them too .)
PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA a preview feature by Richard Laurence
See: November-December 1982 Alternative Cars (GB) Page 22-24
PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA 86 that was former Geneva Show car of 1986 turned up for sale by a dealer in the UK -Details:- 11000 miles; white with black and white int bb 1 off ;Fine Car Specialists - unit 2 Rutland st ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE LANS 0I6 6GTX
See: June 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 261 Volume 15 Issue 3
VW GOLF CABRIO b+b (quite a few were made)
Preview of one in a US magazine
See: October 1980 Motor Trend (US) Page 70
Today they continue to offers mods on sports Audis and Volkswagens their latest is the Audi TTS Coupe and VW Scirocco
Source -image not mine from
http://fancytuning.com/2009/03/bb-vw-scirocco/
whom also give a brief history of the firm
ALEXIS (GB) 1959-70s
ALEXIS (GB) 1959-70s
RACING CARS MANUFACTURERS, made in the West Midlands
British Racing Car Manufacturers where there is not a lot of information about the manufacturer by the Automotive press at the time and even currently - There needs to be one
Although its possible Autosport UK may have done feature on the company and its cars (Autosport I have not had the pleasure of documenting their issues -although I have covered all Autocar and MOtor over the period that the company was around and found very little indeed!) the main depositly for Autosport Magazines in this country in New Zealand where I am from is 800 miles away here in Invercargill in the South Island Library (I am from the North)and besides if you do see them at auction - They tend to fetch up to $25 NZ for early issues on kiwi auction site Trademe.
Well What Have I got?
Brief Business Profile of the company
See: September 1971 Motorsport (GB) Page 898
BRIEF HISTORY of the Formula Junior Race cars given in a letter to Editor
See March 1985 Motorsport (GB) Page 292 given by Brief History' from Duncan Rabagliati ;Wimbdon UK
Cars that turned up for sale
a rare 1500GT Coupe 1960 (they usually made single seat race cars) turned up for sale in the Classifieds of magazine in 1982 fibreglass hand made car (a 1 off?) reg 1960 for 1100 pounds sterling car was registration 5653 NX and vender was from Stourbridge 6909; GB
See January 1982 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 94 Volume 9 Issue 4
F2 1969 tuned up for sale in the UK in 2000 -fitted with Hewland Mk8 transmission;ex hill climb racer
See December 2000 Motorsport (GB) Page 114 Volume 77 Issue 12
Russell-Alexis Formula Ford : details: Dealer list +small colour photo; totally rebuild by professionals ; red loads of documents and history no year given 12950p
www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk Dealer Paul Matty Sportscars ; 12 Old Birmingham Rd; Bromsgrove ; Worcestershire B60 1DE Tel 01527 835656 See Sept 2006 Throughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 114 Issue 398
Formula Junior ex Paul Hawkins turned up for sale by Dealer who specials in race cars in 2003 for sale by Mike Brotherhood.com for 20,000 pounds in the classifieds
See: June 2003 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 218 Volume 22 Issue 4
Photo of Russell-Alexis Formula Ford as used by Jim Russell Training School an American who set up a UK operation in the 1960s
See: April-May 1968 NZ AA Magazine (note AA=Automobile Association) Page 35
and vehicle also turned up in Brief news feature -Part of a feature on Formula Ford car offered by the Motor Racing Stable
See: 21st March 1968 Autocar (GB) Page 59 Volume 128 Issue 3762
Announcement split between Jim Russell and Alexis in 1968 : details - Alex Cars LTD & Jim Russell orgazation whom handled the marketing and distn go their seperate ways;Cars now known as Alexis Cars LTD The Sport Column by G Robson & Martin Lewis
See: 10th October 1968 Page 83 Volume 129 Issue 3791
Trail car discovered 1961-1965 Discovered- in an enclousure in Warwickshire part of cache of vehicles were 2 x Austin 7 specials ; one was JW 8232 - x 750 Motor Club ; 2 other trail cars ; one is certainly a Cannon; other 202 HOF -Alexis trail car -E93A eng 61-64 built by Alexis of Birm words by Michawl Ware & Nick Baldwin
See: July 1986 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 19 Volume 13 Issue 19
RACING CARS MANUFACTURERS, made in the West Midlands
British Racing Car Manufacturers where there is not a lot of information about the manufacturer by the Automotive press at the time and even currently - There needs to be one
Although its possible Autosport UK may have done feature on the company and its cars (Autosport I have not had the pleasure of documenting their issues -although I have covered all Autocar and MOtor over the period that the company was around and found very little indeed!) the main depositly for Autosport Magazines in this country in New Zealand where I am from is 800 miles away here in Invercargill in the South Island Library (I am from the North)and besides if you do see them at auction - They tend to fetch up to $25 NZ for early issues on kiwi auction site Trademe.
Well What Have I got?
Brief Business Profile of the company
See: September 1971 Motorsport (GB) Page 898
BRIEF HISTORY of the Formula Junior Race cars given in a letter to Editor
See March 1985 Motorsport (GB) Page 292 given by Brief History' from Duncan Rabagliati ;Wimbdon UK
Cars that turned up for sale
a rare 1500GT Coupe 1960 (they usually made single seat race cars) turned up for sale in the Classifieds of magazine in 1982 fibreglass hand made car (a 1 off?) reg 1960 for 1100 pounds sterling car was registration 5653 NX and vender was from Stourbridge 6909; GB
See January 1982 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 94 Volume 9 Issue 4
F2 1969 tuned up for sale in the UK in 2000 -fitted with Hewland Mk8 transmission;ex hill climb racer
See December 2000 Motorsport (GB) Page 114 Volume 77 Issue 12
Russell-Alexis Formula Ford : details: Dealer list +small colour photo; totally rebuild by professionals ; red loads of documents and history no year given 12950p
www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk Dealer Paul Matty Sportscars ; 12 Old Birmingham Rd; Bromsgrove ; Worcestershire B60 1DE Tel 01527 835656 See Sept 2006 Throughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 114 Issue 398
Formula Junior ex Paul Hawkins turned up for sale by Dealer who specials in race cars in 2003 for sale by Mike Brotherhood.com for 20,000 pounds in the classifieds
See: June 2003 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 218 Volume 22 Issue 4
Photo of Russell-Alexis Formula Ford as used by Jim Russell Training School an American who set up a UK operation in the 1960s
See: April-May 1968 NZ AA Magazine (note AA=Automobile Association) Page 35
and vehicle also turned up in Brief news feature -Part of a feature on Formula Ford car offered by the Motor Racing Stable
See: 21st March 1968 Autocar (GB) Page 59 Volume 128 Issue 3762
Announcement split between Jim Russell and Alexis in 1968 : details - Alex Cars LTD & Jim Russell orgazation whom handled the marketing and distn go their seperate ways;Cars now known as Alexis Cars LTD The Sport Column by G Robson & Martin Lewis
See: 10th October 1968 Page 83 Volume 129 Issue 3791
Trail car discovered 1961-1965 Discovered- in an enclousure in Warwickshire part of cache of vehicles were 2 x Austin 7 specials ; one was JW 8232 - x 750 Motor Club ; 2 other trail cars ; one is certainly a Cannon; other 202 HOF -Alexis trail car -E93A eng 61-64 built by Alexis of Birm words by Michawl Ware & Nick Baldwin
See: July 1986 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 19 Volume 13 Issue 19
ALEXIS (GB) 1953c
ALEXIS (GB) 1953c
Is NOT same company that would later built a number Race cars but this car is a special built by constructor Brothers IT + DR MacGregor - Car turned in Discovery feature
See -Discovered - Duncan Rabagliati who kept the ALEXIS Racing and Trials register found another company that used same name by finding a photo and article on it but was built by brothers McGregor in the early 1950s.
Quote from text by Duncan Rabagliati
The Autocar in July 1954 did a 2 spread feature on it (but I have reviewed Autocar and I do not remember - Sure its not The Motor? you are talking about) the whole car was built at low cost with idea of competing in rallies reg YNO 354 was no skimby cycle wing special but a well made car ; for reliability the car engine was kept standard but the car was made as light as possible.
When complete it competed in a number of rallies on 1954 and 1955 and was acrually illustrated in Autosport (shown in the magazine) at the start of the Clacron Rally in Sep 1954 (you say 1964 Ed error) driven by its constructors IT & DR MacGregor ; the total cost according to The Autocar was 185 pounds and 5 shillings
Why was it called ALEXIS? According to the McGregors from the name of the bicycles our Great Grandfather had produced in the West of Scotland on 1870. Does it survive? - mostly quoted +bw photo sourced from Autosport
See: April 1991 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 39 Volume 18 Issue 7
Is NOT same company that would later built a number Race cars but this car is a special built by constructor Brothers IT + DR MacGregor - Car turned in Discovery feature
See -Discovered - Duncan Rabagliati who kept the ALEXIS Racing and Trials register found another company that used same name by finding a photo and article on it but was built by brothers McGregor in the early 1950s.
Quote from text by Duncan Rabagliati
The Autocar in July 1954 did a 2 spread feature on it (but I have reviewed Autocar and I do not remember - Sure its not The Motor? you are talking about) the whole car was built at low cost with idea of competing in rallies reg YNO 354 was no skimby cycle wing special but a well made car ; for reliability the car engine was kept standard but the car was made as light as possible.
When complete it competed in a number of rallies on 1954 and 1955 and was acrually illustrated in Autosport (shown in the magazine) at the start of the Clacron Rally in Sep 1954 (you say 1964 Ed error) driven by its constructors IT & DR MacGregor ; the total cost according to The Autocar was 185 pounds and 5 shillings
Why was it called ALEXIS? According to the McGregors from the name of the bicycles our Great Grandfather had produced in the West of Scotland on 1870. Does it survive? - mostly quoted +bw photo sourced from Autosport
See: April 1991 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 39 Volume 18 Issue 7
ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB)
ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB) until 1974 also known as also known as Alexander Engine Co Ltd
There were related to Alexander ALEXANDER TUNING (GB) who offered Tuning kits in Stages 1-3 of many of the bread and butter BMC products of Mini, Mini Cooper and even Morris Minor they also did Kits for Rootes cars and odd Ford
ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB) came more in wider public Automotive historian eye in 2004 with discovery of unknown vehicle a very special Turner!
Alexander Engineering Turner
TURNER GT 61 for restoration Club News Russell Filby register of Turner cars has found rare coupe with compet history Reg 6751 RO ; a 1 off ; orig had BMC A series later Climax 1220cc; used by Wing Commander Ken (Mac ) McKenzie until 62; history is fuzzy (you don't say...understatement of the year) car registered 6751 RO although originally 675 IRO
See: October 2004 Practical Classics (GB) Page 15 Issue 11
Same car featured in Discovery mention- Russell Filby spies prize Turner prototype ; dragged from a Shropshire barn to be restored ; thought to proto driven by Wing Commander Ken (Mac) McKenzie ; one and early finaced by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham Buckinghamshire ; orig Cov Climax 1220
See: October 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 30 Volume 23 Issue 7
And a Follow up to The Discovery section in Classic & Sportscar -Turner tale still untold - photo car competing; built by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham; ch# 61/429 reg July 5 1961 in Herefordshire as 675 IRO sold in 1962 raced by Peter Smith who with Jim Johnstone raced as Team Speedwell- hist to 63
See: December 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 26 Volume 23 Issue 9
To be continued to give references to Those Cars were modified or Have Alexander Kits ..watch this space..
The Company shut down producing engine kits in 1974
according to the website for Mini Mk1 owners for information below:
mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/alexander_e.
"Demise of Alexander
The Demise Of Alexander Engineering. (looks like its from Motor?)
By 1974 the economic depression and the oil crisis had taken it's toll on Alexander Engineering just like it had done on so many other tuning companies.
Their demise was by no means a fast one, in fact Alexander had abandoned modifying cylinder heads back in 1969, but by 1974 they had decided to totally withdraw from the performance tuning market and concentrate on Accessory sales. The company continued in this line of work until it finally closed down in 2001" qv
and the company may be back soon!
"It is rumored that a new incarnation of Alexander engineering will soon be offering a range of classic tuning products again for the first time in 34 years. WATCH THIS SPACE" qv
Source: MK1-performance-conversions.co.uk
There were related to Alexander ALEXANDER TUNING (GB) who offered Tuning kits in Stages 1-3 of many of the bread and butter BMC products of Mini, Mini Cooper and even Morris Minor they also did Kits for Rootes cars and odd Ford
ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB) came more in wider public Automotive historian eye in 2004 with discovery of unknown vehicle a very special Turner!
Alexander Engineering Turner
TURNER GT 61 for restoration Club News Russell Filby register of Turner cars has found rare coupe with compet history Reg 6751 RO ; a 1 off ; orig had BMC A series later Climax 1220cc; used by Wing Commander Ken (Mac ) McKenzie until 62; history is fuzzy (you don't say...understatement of the year) car registered 6751 RO although originally 675 IRO
See: October 2004 Practical Classics (GB) Page 15 Issue 11
Same car featured in Discovery mention- Russell Filby spies prize Turner prototype ; dragged from a Shropshire barn to be restored ; thought to proto driven by Wing Commander Ken (Mac) McKenzie ; one and early finaced by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham Buckinghamshire ; orig Cov Climax 1220
See: October 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 30 Volume 23 Issue 7
And a Follow up to The Discovery section in Classic & Sportscar -Turner tale still untold - photo car competing; built by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham; ch# 61/429 reg July 5 1961 in Herefordshire as 675 IRO sold in 1962 raced by Peter Smith who with Jim Johnstone raced as Team Speedwell- hist to 63
See: December 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 26 Volume 23 Issue 9
To be continued to give references to Those Cars were modified or Have Alexander Kits ..watch this space..
The Company shut down producing engine kits in 1974
according to the website for Mini Mk1 owners for information below:
mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/alexander_e.
"Demise of Alexander
The Demise Of Alexander Engineering. (looks like its from Motor?)
By 1974 the economic depression and the oil crisis had taken it's toll on Alexander Engineering just like it had done on so many other tuning companies.
Their demise was by no means a fast one, in fact Alexander had abandoned modifying cylinder heads back in 1969, but by 1974 they had decided to totally withdraw from the performance tuning market and concentrate on Accessory sales. The company continued in this line of work until it finally closed down in 2001" qv
and the company may be back soon!
"It is rumored that a new incarnation of Alexander engineering will soon be offering a range of classic tuning products again for the first time in 34 years. WATCH THIS SPACE" qv
Source: MK1-performance-conversions.co.uk
ALDON TRANSPORT CO (USA) 1967
ALDON TRANSPORT CO (USA)
Manufactured by Aldon Transport of Massachuetts US
Built a car for the future (We are still waiting for this type of technology!) the so called STARR CAR of 1967: this was a Experimental high speed guided wheel commuter car photo featured in Camera spread regular feature of Autocar
I only got a photo of vehicle part of a photo spread
See : 11Th May 1967 Autocar (GB) Page 23 Volume 126 Issue 3717
No doubt the likes of Popular Mechanics (US), Popular Science (US) and other publications of similar nature may have more details (I only covered Popular Mechanics from 1946-1956, few in early 1960s - but there are gaps
Where is the company today?
Today they are a very large Fortune 500 company and have fingers in many pies
Automotive High Tech / Communications Retail
Financial Hotel/Entertainment/Travel Software Vendors / Consulting
Food & Beverage Insurance Utilities & Transportation
Health care Manufacturing
See: http://www.aldon.com/cust/our-cust/#utilities
Have a look at who their clients are..Really interesting reading (conspiracy types would have a field day!)
Manufactured by Aldon Transport of Massachuetts US
Built a car for the future (We are still waiting for this type of technology!) the so called STARR CAR of 1967: this was a Experimental high speed guided wheel commuter car photo featured in Camera spread regular feature of Autocar
I only got a photo of vehicle part of a photo spread
See : 11Th May 1967 Autocar (GB) Page 23 Volume 126 Issue 3717
No doubt the likes of Popular Mechanics (US), Popular Science (US) and other publications of similar nature may have more details (I only covered Popular Mechanics from 1946-1956, few in early 1960s - but there are gaps
Where is the company today?
Today they are a very large Fortune 500 company and have fingers in many pies
Automotive High Tech / Communications Retail
Financial Hotel/Entertainment/Travel Software Vendors / Consulting
Food & Beverage Insurance Utilities & Transportation
Health care Manufacturing
See: http://www.aldon.com/cust/our-cust/#utilities
Have a look at who their clients are..Really interesting reading (conspiracy types would have a field day!)
ALCYON (F)
ALCYON
They were a small French Car Manufacturing company who built Cycle Cars
For many years it was thought none had surived; however a few have emerged in recent years and restored from just a engine and gearbox most of chassis and body has built from scatch
Source image is not mine but comes from de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobiles_Alcyon
whom also give the history of the firm in German - no doubt a English translation exists
References
2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 Restoration
Marcel (violet) Better mousetrap -Wilson McComb is struck dumb well almost by a classic French Car ; History feature on French cycle cars also includes story of restored 1925 version from a box of bits, body built by Tony Hutchings built sporting Torpedo body in plywood as of 1987 car owned by Paul Cooper;Armscote Orchard Close; Welford on Avon; Warwickshire Cv37 8HA and car was Registered EL 1039 and car on display at Wildfowl Trust Museum at Lewes
See: Jan 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 59-62 Volume 4 Issue 11 - feature by the late Wilson McComb
2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 seeks help location of another engine of another car - Paul Cooper whose car was featured in Jan 1987 THe Automobile is looking for another
in section of magazine tHe Automobile - called Spares Seeker owner of one already one featured Jan87 which almost finished its rebuild seeks another rumor of one in the Midlands looking for location or an identical Simca-Violet engine no photo (This area is often Gold for information of who has got and where and more importantly for those with similar cars -Full contact details!)
See: April 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 9 Volume 5 Issue 2
2 seat tourer Cycle Car Restoration almost finished by Owner Terry Payne - mention of its discovery in Finds & Discoveries - Terry Payne of Wickford in Essex
See June 2004 The Automobile (GB) (as of yet I am yet to document!)
Follow up discovery by Michael Worthington-Williams on progress of the Restoration
See: September 2006 THe Automobile (GB) Page 59 Volume 24 Issue 7
and September 2007 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 38 Volume 26 Issue 6
And photo in Photo Discovereies of a cycle car in the past
2-3 seat tourer cycle car -Photo Discoveries in 1919c an Adler is followed by Alcylon in an early motoring competition in Luxembourg (car looks to be carrying 3 people)photo taken around 1919 by Phototheque de Ville de Luxembourg
See September 1992 The Automobile (GB) Page 12 Volume 10 Issue 7
Also I believe Practical Classics in 2000s did a feature concerning one but I only up to Early 1998 (Although I done some 2003-2006)
They were a small French Car Manufacturing company who built Cycle Cars
For many years it was thought none had surived; however a few have emerged in recent years and restored from just a engine and gearbox most of chassis and body has built from scatch
Source image is not mine but comes from de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobiles_Alcyon
whom also give the history of the firm in German - no doubt a English translation exists
References
2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 Restoration
Marcel (violet) Better mousetrap -Wilson McComb is struck dumb well almost by a classic French Car ; History feature on French cycle cars also includes story of restored 1925 version from a box of bits, body built by Tony Hutchings built sporting Torpedo body in plywood as of 1987 car owned by Paul Cooper;Armscote Orchard Close; Welford on Avon; Warwickshire Cv37 8HA and car was Registered EL 1039 and car on display at Wildfowl Trust Museum at Lewes
See: Jan 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 59-62 Volume 4 Issue 11 - feature by the late Wilson McComb
2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 seeks help location of another engine of another car - Paul Cooper whose car was featured in Jan 1987 THe Automobile is looking for another
in section of magazine tHe Automobile - called Spares Seeker owner of one already one featured Jan87 which almost finished its rebuild seeks another rumor of one in the Midlands looking for location or an identical Simca-Violet engine no photo (This area is often Gold for information of who has got and where and more importantly for those with similar cars -Full contact details!)
See: April 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 9 Volume 5 Issue 2
2 seat tourer Cycle Car Restoration almost finished by Owner Terry Payne - mention of its discovery in Finds & Discoveries - Terry Payne of Wickford in Essex
See June 2004 The Automobile (GB) (as of yet I am yet to document!)
Follow up discovery by Michael Worthington-Williams on progress of the Restoration
See: September 2006 THe Automobile (GB) Page 59 Volume 24 Issue 7
and September 2007 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 38 Volume 26 Issue 6
And photo in Photo Discovereies of a cycle car in the past
2-3 seat tourer cycle car -Photo Discoveries in 1919c an Adler is followed by Alcylon in an early motoring competition in Luxembourg (car looks to be carrying 3 people)photo taken around 1919 by Phototheque de Ville de Luxembourg
See September 1992 The Automobile (GB) Page 12 Volume 10 Issue 7
Also I believe Practical Classics in 2000s did a feature concerning one but I only up to Early 1998 (Although I done some 2003-2006)
ALCO
ALCO
They were a massive US company more associatied with building Locomotives although in early years they did dabble in car manufacture on a limited basis the company full name was American Locomotive Co
I have not many references to the vehicles - only 3
1908 race car was for sale in UK by Bugatti restorer/ replica maker Ivan Dutton UK ltd see photo
Sept 1988 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 129 Volume 7 Issue 6
1909 Race Car (could be same 1908 car took part in a Historic Racing event -Jean-Lois Duret ; car - ble race #8 ;Nurbrgring oldtimer cup aug 9-11 1996 a photo only part of brief report on the event
October 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 15 Issue 7
1912 7 passager touring 6cy 70hp turned up at Harrahs auction in 1984 -Under the hammer ; just a mention (this car was a Beliet built under license) no photo part brief report and photos of Harrah Auction auctioned by Kruse Sep 29-30 1984 under instructions of Holiday Inns the new owner of Harrahs Casino part of a report by Michael Worthington-Williams
See
December 1984 The Automobile (GB) Page 58 Volume 2 Issue 10
Similar to car below
Image is not mine but comes from :
http://www.american-automobiles.com/images/ALCO-1912.jpg
A great Source for History of the firm is: (where I found an image for bigger sedan)
american-automobiles.com they sell Automoblia etc and list History on other American manufacturers A-Z
They were a massive US company more associatied with building Locomotives although in early years they did dabble in car manufacture on a limited basis the company full name was American Locomotive Co
I have not many references to the vehicles - only 3
1908 race car was for sale in UK by Bugatti restorer/ replica maker Ivan Dutton UK ltd see photo
Sept 1988 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 129 Volume 7 Issue 6
1909 Race Car (could be same 1908 car took part in a Historic Racing event -Jean-Lois Duret ; car - ble race #8 ;Nurbrgring oldtimer cup aug 9-11 1996 a photo only part of brief report on the event
October 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 15 Issue 7
1912 7 passager touring 6cy 70hp turned up at Harrahs auction in 1984 -Under the hammer ; just a mention (this car was a Beliet built under license) no photo part brief report and photos of Harrah Auction auctioned by Kruse Sep 29-30 1984 under instructions of Holiday Inns the new owner of Harrahs Casino part of a report by Michael Worthington-Williams
See
December 1984 The Automobile (GB) Page 58 Volume 2 Issue 10
Similar to car below
Image is not mine but comes from :
http://www.american-automobiles.com/images/ALCO-1912.jpg
A great Source for History of the firm is: (where I found an image for bigger sedan)
american-automobiles.com they sell Automoblia etc and list History on other American manufacturers A-Z
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