Tag Archives: Pschoontyres

Aeronautical Heritage – Mackson 500 F3

The Mackson 500 F3 came about through a short lived collaboration that started in 1951 between constructor “Mac” McGee and aeronautical engineer Gordon Bedson who’s curriculum vitae included working for Vickers Armstrong on the ultra modern Valiant jet bomber.

The Mackson was built in Guildford Surrey with a tubular frame, independent front wishbone suspension and swing axle rear and fitted with the latest Dunlop alloy wheels.

Mackson 500 F3, Gordon Russell, Castle Combe,

A Norton double knocker engine was specified, although an example has also been fitted with a JAP engine in the United States, the Norton gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels through chain drive and the solid rear axle.

The 18 gauge aluminium body is noticeably lower than it’s contemporaries like the Kieft CK52 and Cooper Mk VI.

Mackson 500 F3, Gordon Russell, Castle Combe,

Designer Gordon tested the original Mackson, but Arthur Gill ran two cars for himself and Alan Scoble while a third car was bought and raced by Peter Braid, with no wins during the 1952 season Gordon Bedson left the team to become a director at Kieft.

No more Mackson’s were built, but they continued to be raced, one being converted into first the Saxon Formula 3 car which was upgraded to Formula Junior spec, Gordon Russell is seen at the wheel of today’s example at Castle Combe.

Thanks for joining me on this “Aeronautical Experience” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I will be looking at another Mini variation that never made it into production. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Jethro Bodine’s ‘Stang – Mustang Ranchero

Ever wondered what you might get if you crossed the Personal Luxury chique of a Ford Mustang pony car with the all round practicality of a Ford Ranchero pick up ?

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

There is an unsubstantiated myth on the intelnet which says that from 1965 to 1966 Beverly Hills Mustang Limited in California built 50 such vehicles with Ford’s blessing, and further more somewhere around 60% of them were exported to Europe !

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

Beverly Hills Motors Limited of 9280 Alden Drive Beverly Hills, California, did indeed build some pick up Mustangs, one ex employee believes only 3 or 4 may might have been built using fiberglass beds.

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

However a German Pony Car site points to this particular car being built by a Mick Bull who started with a 66′ basket case Mustang for which he fabricated the bed, subframe connectors and a gas strut operated tailgate.

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

The motor is officially registered as 5,331 cc / 325.32 cui which does not equate with any Ford motors I can think of. According to some sources the car is also said to have a 331 cui motor, but again the only motor of this size I know of is the mid to late fifties Chrysler Poly motors. If you know better please do not hesitate to chime in below.

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

It is said the Beverly Hills Motors Mustero conversions cost the same as a Shelby Cobra, over $6,000, which made for prohibitive sales though Harry Morgan and Debbie Boone are believed to have shown an interest in at least one of the cars as it was being built probably at some point in the mid to late 1970’s.

Mustang Ranchero, Cartier Style Et Lux, Goodwood Festival of Speed

Having a love of both Mustangs and pickups this car appeals to me as the kind of upgrade someone might have tried to sell Jethro Bodine in an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies.

Thanks for joining me on this “Jethro Bodines ‘Stang” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for Ferrari Friday. Don’t forget to come back now !

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