Discussion
generationx said:
An important part of the story re CUT 7 is omitted from the Motor Sport piece.Protheroe did indeed sell the low-drag to Robbie Gordon, who is mentioned and who also raced the car. What it doesn’t mention (don’t ask me why it’s not mentioned, it rarely is) is that Gordon lined the famous Protheroe competition E-type lightweight low-drag coupe (now registered 738 EUT), on the front row of the grid at Brands Hatch on a cold 28 November in 1965, expecting to win. Some of the best cars at the time then in GT racing were also lined up.
Also on the grid also was a car making its debut.
The new Ginetta G10, not even having been given a shake down, it was on its first ever outing, driven by works driver Chris Meek who had been desperate to drive it, although he had not even sat in the car. He had been told the car would not be ready in time for Brands, then he got a call from Ginetta the day before the race saying ‘Hello Chris, can you be at Brands tomorrow, the car is ready!’
The day didn’t start too good for the Ginetta company when the car was spotted in the paddock displaying a small sticker for a brake company. The Walklett brothers who ran Ginetta were hauled over the coals for what to them was a seemingly minor misdemeanour. The brothers were incensed by this, it seemed to them almost as if someone had it in for them. Between them the brothers conjured up something to get their own back. The tiny brake sticker was removed and a roll of bright yellow tape was found, from which they made up in 12 inch high letters the word GINETTA – this was then stuck to the rear end of their G10. It apparently did the trick as it caused enormous displeasure with some of the race officials! So, a two-fingers salute and off to the grid for the start.
That the Ginetta G10’s debut was spectacular is an understatement.
After a few laps it was obvious that this was going to be a battle between the Lightweight E-type and the Ginetta G10. The two cars were swapping the lead continuously. Until, that is, 2 laps from the end when spectators were left gasping as Meek powered the G10 past the Jag for the last time, foot down he went on clear of the whole field to an easy first-outing victory.
Story now complete.
https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%...
XjFred said:
It's strange to see that the only one of the three that holds the right to show the reg plate CUT7 is the last one, the Low Drag, while the first to had it was the first FHC...
It's not strange - reg was transferred from first to second to third car, first and second got new regs - it's the same as if you bought a personal reg for your modern car, it's your reg, you'd be a bit upset if the person who owned the car that it was first used on decided they wanted it back! Yes it usually does if it is just another ordinary number or if the number is particularly associated with that car. The owner of the car can sell the number if he wants to though or transfer it to another car of his own. In both cases there is a transfer fee.
Edited by Mike-tf3n0 on Thursday 3rd August 21:42
Just to add a bit more about that 1965 Ginetta G10 race with the Protheroe E-type, this was the same car after restoration that appeared at Goodwood Revival in 2012 (albeit now minus the softtop but with hardtop in place) and led every lap from the start until it lost a rear wheel on the last lap.
Sold recently for around £150k.
link to see rear n/s wheel coming loose on final lap!
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/gallery/Ginetta-G10...
Sold recently for around £150k.
link to see rear n/s wheel coming loose on final lap!
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/gallery/Ginetta-G10...
Edited by dandarez on Saturday 12th August 22:21
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