1953 Frazer Nash

The Frazer Nash Le Mans Rep has always been a car that punched above its weight, named in honour of Norman Culpin’s success at Le Mans, the model went on to record 50 victories and 40 seconds in nine years of racing as a Works car.

Only 85 examples were factory built between 1948 and 1957, making a good original example a rare bird indeed, however this example is as close as one could hope to get to a factory built car.

In the 1970’s the highly regarded car constructors Crosthwaite & Gardiner managed to purchase all of the remaining parts and drawings from AFN, the company spun out of Frazer Nash cars via successful racer motoring enthusiast Betty Haig. Crosthwaite and Gardiner went on to build five replicas of the Le Mans Rep constructed alongside an original car to their usual exacting standards. Importantly this example is the first customer car and is the only one built on an original Frazer Nash chassis, hence ensuring its eligibility for the FiA Historic Technical Passport that accompanies the car.

It was built for noted VSCC competitor and owner of multiple Frazer Nash cars, Alan Dunkerley and this car shared garage space from 1975 through the 1980’s with a Frazer Nash Boulogne and Vauxhall 30/98 amongst others.

Several like-minded enthusiasts have owned YHV 23 since, most notably Ted Parkinson who enjoyed it for many years, driving all over Europe followed by an American enthusiast who commissioned CKL Engineering to extensively restore the car.

In recent years the Nash has been part of a small but notable private collection and was again used extensively on road and track until his unfortunate recent passing.

All of the componentry is period-correct with a close ratio all synchro box, limited slip diff, alloy diff housing and Alfin drum brakes. The engine has been rebuilt by Bristol engine specialists Hawker Racing and a foam filled fuel tank fitted.

The Nash is in great shape throughout and continues to impress on the road. It has developed the most marvellous patina, only achievable after years of careful use and maintenance and retains wonderful detail throughout.

It comes with a good history file documenting ownership and maintenance history along with competition entries and the above-mentioned FIA papers.

A wonderfully enigmatic and usable car for road and track that deserves a devoted new owner to continue the story.