Vanwall launches ‘road-going’ racing car
Famous 1950's marque makes 6.0-litre comeback
The famous racing car marque of Vanwall returns with the unveiling of a new, road legal, single seat racing car at the International Historic Sports Car Show at 11.30 am on Friday 25th February 2005. Sadly, we can't publish photos of it until tomorrow -- watch this space.
The name Vanwall first hit the headlines in the 1950’s when the team won the Formula One Constructors title in 1958. Drivers included British legends such as Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks. The picture shows Tony Brooks in his Vanwall at the 1958 GP at Spa. The marque then lay dormant and was retained by the Vandervell bearing company and its various owners over the last four and a half decades.
In 2004 British entrepreneur, Arthur Wolstenholme, realised a dream when he was successful in persuading the brand’s current owner, Dana Corporation, Glacier Vandervell Bearings Division to license the name for use on a planned range of replica racing cars.
The first of these products, the Vanwall GPR V12 makes its world premiere at the International Historic Sports Car Show this week. The Vanwall GPR is a high performance, lightweight, aluminium bodied single seat racing car which is craftsman built. The unique design combines many influences from cars of the 1950’s Formula One era. Powered by a 6.0 litre V12 engine and weighing less than a ton, the car is said to have truly breathtaking performance.
Despite its Formula One looks however, the Vanwall is intended for use on the road as well as the track. The use of modern technologies such as tiny, high-intensity lamps inboard of the front wheels are just one example of how this is made possible and discreet mudguards, that from normal viewing distances appear to blend in with the tyres, ensure that the historic formula one car look is never compromised.
The car, registered and in road trim, allows the owner to drive to events such as track days, hill climbs and other motor sport activities where the car’s performance can be experienced both legally and to the full.
All the cars are hand built and specifically made to the individual customer. Prices start at £78,000.
FourWheelDrift said:
Awaiting this in anticipation, Arthur is the chap who designed the Ronart W152 and Lightning cars.
...and a very nice chap he is too.
I expressed an interest in the W152 a while back because I think its gorgeous. The prices went up recently and he personally phoned me just in case I wanted to order and save around £2500
Now thats great service!
I must say I sincerely hope this is a big winner for him.
vetteheadracer said:
Love the description of the 0-60 time as "adequate" with 360BHP per tonne I bet it is
Hmmm, considering that this car weighs 'less than a ton' and is powered by a 6.0 litre V12, I'd expected somewhat more than that... Most definitely not an overstressed engine, then.
- Hmmm..I was 5 yrs old when this beautiful monster raced for the first time! I was so impressed (as a toddler-racer) that I spent my saved up pocket money (6d/week) to get a Dinky toy of it - B.R.Green it was - and cost about 2s-0d (that's 10p now - if you've forgotten old money!)
Oh nuts, - now I've really given it all away! - Grumpy ol' sad-do - that's me!!(least my daughter say so anyway!). Personally, I wish Vanwall all the success they may well deserve! -
Another True Brit Grit sports car - we need as many as we can get - a bit thin on the ground these days (bit like my hair actually!) Miguel
The Vanwall was built at the original Vandervell factory in Acton, West London before moving to Maidenhead in the 60's.
My Dad was a Vanwall mechanic and toured on the Grand Prix circuit in the late 50's and early 60's.
In the late 70's I was an Apprentice at Vandervell Products and had the great privilege of working on the original cars in the development/test labs.
By chance, I attended the Historic Motorsport show at Stoneleigh on Friday 25th Feb. It was unbelievable to see this car again. It looked very similar to the original and beautiful in its gleaming British racing green livery.
At £78K, WOW!!!!!!
Mark
mrattley said:
The Vanwall was built at the original Vandervell factory in Acton, West London before moving to Maidenhead in the 60's.
My Dad was a Vanwall mechanic and toured on the Grand Prix circuit in the late 50's and early 60's.
In the late 70's I was an Apprentice at Vandervell Products and had the great privilege of working on the original cars in the development/test labs.
My late Grandfather worked there as well during the Grand Prix era and up until he retired in the late 60's.
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