Grantura Racing History

[RobMk2a]

Is this 7/c/222 Source Klaus Witzig site. Does anyone know the History of the car is it the John Brown car 10c from the 6 Hour relay.

[RobMk2a]

Just come a short colour clip of the 1959 6 hour relay. The video is on Www.bbsbooks.co.uk or you tube under TVR Relay Race Silverstone and is narrated by Derek Bracegirdle.

Accordingly to Filby, Derek and his bother Tony owned Mk1 Granturas and Tony's car iwas in the team of 6 MK1 Granturas.

The team had problems in the relay and didn't finish. The cars were privately owned but entered to promote the factory. .

Rob

[RobMk2a]

I've found reference to this car now.

156 AD Barrett 1216 cc

Brands Hatch BRSCC meeting 19th May 1963.

John Davy Trophy Race. 10 Lap Race.

Winner WJ Shaw Lotus Elite.

Pooks have a copy of the programme.

This is nearly 2 years after the 6 hour race in 1961 so it could be the John Brown (Betty Haig) car after repairs to the side vent?

Rob

[RobMk2a]

Hi,

If you view the beginning of this thread you will see the Ex Jim Lowry (owned) car which is now restored / owned by Ivan Dutton.

The car at Brands Hatch 156 driven by AD Barrett may be 10c in the 6 Hour race as driven by John Brown.

There were atleast 4 full lightweights (body & chassis) some of which also had Electron (wobbly web) wheels.

Rob

[RobMk2a]

Whilst Ben Warrens car has period race history and he was a member of the RM Imports team I don't think it is the Sebring reserve car -

The reserve car looks more like one of the ex Le Mans cars.



Of course the vendor may have more information.

Source Racingsportscars

Rob

[RobMk2a]

If and it is big IF the reserve Sebring car is one of the Ex Le Mans cars it is likely to be YFR 752 (No 65 at Le Mans) as I understand that Tommy Woods purchased YFR 751 and was entered at Harewood hillclimb in Sept 1962 and Sept 1963 (and possibly April or June 63) Sebring is in March 1963.

Interestingly the registration YFR 752 was transferred to the Road Test 1800 Mk3. Which appeared on the RAC Rally in Jan 1964 and Tulip Rally in April 64. I think the earlier YFR 752 (ex Le Mans car)was entered by G Humble in the 1962 RAC Rally. no 77.

Was YFR 752 sent to US between Nov 62 and March 63.

Also I don't think the reserve car is a Mk2 from 62 Sebring the window treatment is different.

Source photo on Stanford Revs Gallery./ Harewood Hill History. / Racingsportscars.

Rob

Edited by RobMk2a on Friday 15th May 12:14

[RobMk2a]

There is an article on p28 of this months Classic and Sports Car about Brian Barr's MkII 232 PMA. This car has extensive racing history in 1961 at Oulton, Rufforth and Silverstone. There are some period photos in the article one at Oulton and one on a trailer towed by I assume Brian's Mk1 Jaguar (very Terry Thomas!).

Owned by Grahame Clough it is to be restored by Mike Botherwood including refitting a Coventry Climax engine (from the replacement MGA) The article states Brian bought the car from the factory as a kit but also says it is a lightweight. I've seen a programme from March 1962 at Silverstone which says it is blue (now red).

Does anyone know more about the car or know Grahame it would be good to see the chassis to see if it is a lightweight and check the chassis number.

Brian Barr is reported to have part exchanged the Grantura for a Lotus 23 was this in 1962.

Rob

[RobMk2a]

Out of interest Brian Barr's car 242 PMA had a MGA 1,588 engine in March 1962 when entered the Commander Yorke Trophy at Silverstone.

Whilst it's not my car interesting dilemma on which engine is more correct one it potentially had in early 1962 or a replacement engine similar to the one it had in 1961?

Rob

[RobMk2a]

From memory your car is an 1800s but converted later on with Mk2 body and a Rover V8. When it was new It was a road test car in one of the magazines. I think Tommy just featured in an advert with the car but it is not his race car.

Rob

[RobMk2a]

Daggsy - RNL was the old Charlie Harrison Mk1, did you ask your friend about how he purchased the car and did he instal the Twin Cam. I spoke to Charlie about 2 years ago, he was still living in the Newcastle area.

Rob Pennington

[RobMk2a]

I've not come across it yet but the registration number could have changed. I wonder if your friend ever took a record of the chassis number.

Rob