Tag Archives: Silverstone

Half A Car – Lotus Ford T 87 #87/R2 & #87/R4

For the 1981 World Championship Lotus had developed the twin chassis Lotus 86 which I looked at last week, no sooner had testing of that car been finished than the ruling body of the sport outlawed the skirts on which the car depended to seal the airflow beneath the body of the car and mandated a minimum ride height.

Lotus Ford 87, British Grand Prix, Silverstone

This led to the development of the Lotus 88 which had twin chassis as did the 86 but no skirts and a 6cm minimum ride height as mandated by the new rules. Unfortunately while the governing the body of the sport accepted the Lotus 88 as legal most of the other teams did not declaring that the second outer aerodynamic chassis was a banned movable aerodynamic aid and not a fully suspended chassis.

Lotus Ford 87, British Grand Prix, Silverstone

Set against a back ground to these semantic arguments between the grandee teams of Ferrari, Renault and Alfa Romeo going up against the garagistes of Brabham, Lotus, McLaren, Williams et al made of high drama and in this instance almost every body building cars turned against Lotus in denouncing the Lotus 88 which meant that it only ever took part in a couple of practice sessions.

Lotus 87, Hall & Hall, Bourne, Lincs

For the first half of the 1981 season Lotus were therefore forced into running the Lotus 81 from the 1980 season. By the time the Formula one circus arrived in Great Britain Lotus made one final attempt to run the Lotus 88 in practice but were again refused by their fellow competitors and so Lotus ran the 88 sans second aeroydynamic chassis and with more conventional aerodynamic side pods and wings as #87/R2 is seen being driven by Nigel Mansell during practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1981 and #87/R4 is seen with the later front wings at Hall & Hall and in the Paddock at Silverstone during the classic meeting earlier this year.

Lotus 87, Silverstone Classic

The single chassis version of the Lotus 88 is known as the Lotus Type 87. The highlight of the Lotus 87’s half a seasons competition career was a couple of 4th place finishes, for Elio de Angeles in Italy and Nigel Mansell at Ceasers Palace.

Lotus 87, Hall & Hall, Bourne, Lincs

Chassis R2 was used by Elio de Angeles in Monaco, Spain and France scoring a best 5th place finish in Spain, Mansell took the car over for the British Grand Prix and failed to qualify. There after this car was used as a spare for the remainder of the 1981 season and the first race of the 1982 season in South Africa.

Lotus 87, Hall & Hall, Bourne, Lincs

So far as I have been able to determine chassis #87/R4 seen in the more recent photo’s was driven by Nigel Mansell in at least four Grand Prix during the second half of the 1981 season. Note that the use of space age Carbon Fiber and Kevlar was becoming widespread by 1981 the following season the majority of Formula One monocoques were made from the material with the exception of Ferrari.

Lotus 87, Hall & Hall, Bourne, Lincs

The absence of any bodywork around the rear suspension and exhaust shows what a rush job it was to get the Lotus 87’s to the grid most of the contemporary cars of the period had the rear axle covered in body panels by 1981 including the 1981 British Grand Prix winning McLaren MP4/1 of John Watson.

My thanks to Rick Hall if Hall & Hall for generously allowing me to take the photos of #87/R4, which is for sale, on his premises.

Thanks for joining me on this “Half A Car” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be relating a Scandinavian Tale about an unusual fire engine. Don’t forget to come back now !

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HSCC International Trophy – Silverstone

Now celebrating it’s 50th anniversary the Historic Sports Car Club organised a two day International Trophy meeting at Silverstone last weekend of which I popped along to the second.

Jaguar E-type_7278sc

The first race of the day was led by the #91 Jaguar E-Type shared by Julian Thomas an Calum Lockie for opening 13 laps of the Turnkey GT and Sports Car Cup, but they lost ground on the driver change which happened as the course was under a full course caution that became a red flag after three further laps leaving the #75 AC Cobra 289 shared by Leo Voyazides and Andy Wolfe that had been running in the top six to inherit the win.

Formula Junior_7318sc

Sam Wilson in his #53 Lotus 20/22 led the 2nd Formula Junior race of the weekend from start to finish five cars held second place over the 9 lap race with Andrew Hibberd’s red #79 Lotus 22, seen in fourth above securing the spot with two laps to go, a late charge from James Murray secured third in his Lola.

Michael Lyons, McLaren M26, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

James Hunt won the International Championship twice when the British Racing Drivers Club organised the event with Hesketh in 1974 and McLaren in his 1976 championship winning year, last weekend Michael Lyons, seen above, drove a 1977 spec McLaren M26 to an easy victory in International Trophy ahead of Andrew Smith’s Gunston liveried March 79B.

Lola T282, Voyazides-Wolfe, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

Leo Voyazides and James Wolfe had to work a little harder, than Micheal, in their 1973 Jean-Louis Lafosse / Reine Wisell Gitanes liveried Lola T282 to get the better of the #19 Simon Watson and Andrew Kirkaldy Chevron B19 and the third place #60 Chevron B26 driven by John Burton in the 50 minute Pre 80 Endurance race.

Historic Formula 3, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

After several successful seasons running a Cooper in Formula Junior Jon Milicevic has switched to driving the #14 Brabham BT21B in Formula 3 and looks to continue his winning ways, having passed the Micheal Hibberd’s #25 Brabham on the opening lap he retained the lead to the end to finish ahead of Simon Archer’s #22 March 703 which worked it’s way up from 5th at the end of the opening lap.

Guards Trophy, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

George Tizzard’s persistence chasing down, the out of shot, #4 pole sitting Chevron B8 shared by Sandy Watson and Martin O’Connell was rewarded when he took the lead in the HSCC Guards Trophy 2 laps from home driving the #2 Gulf liveried Lenham Spyder.

Ford Falcon, Leo Voyazides, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

Leo Voyazides took a fairly easy victory third victory of the day with a solo drive in his Ford Falcon in the HSCC ByBox Historic Touring Car Championship beating the Ford Mustang driven by Warren Biggs by 14 seconds from pole position.

HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000, HSCC International Trophy, Silverstone

In the final race of the day Ian Pearson won the HSCC Formula 2000 race from pole in his #9 Van Diemen RF83 while Andrew Park had to battle back to second in his white #27 Reynard SF81 after giving the place up to the #87 Reynard SF79 driven by Nelson Rowe and #33 Van Diemen RF82 of Marc Mercer on the opening lap.

Thanks for joining me on this International Trophy edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me for the next Packard edition soon. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Side Valve Six – Delage Weymann DR70 #26290

After winning the 1927 AIACR World manufacturers championship Delage found itself so impoverished that it abandoned motor racing and focused it’s attention on building a new range of popular DR70 six cylinder vehicles for it’s customers.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

The DR70 was launched in 1927 with a choice of either 2.177 or 2.517 litre side valve motors and was supplied as a rolling chassis.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Chassis #26290 was supplied to Delage’s UK agent who arranged for it to be fitted with a patented Weymann Fabric Body for it’s first owner and first registered on the 27th of April 1928.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

The Weymann body system used a fabric covered frame in wood that featured patented flexible joints between the timbers which reduced the usual squeaks and rattles from wood framed bodies and was said to be lighter than bodies fashioned from metal.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Today’s featured car remained in the the original owners family until 1965 and was restored by the second owner in 1975.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

In 1996 the car found it’s way into the hands of it’s third owner who embarked on a ten year restoration.

Delage DR70, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

This DR70 is seen in these photographs gracing the paddock at Silverstone during the VSCC Spring Start meeting earlier this year.

Thanks for joining me on this Side Valve Six edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me next time when I will be visiting Silverstone for the International Trophy meeting. Don’t forget to come back now !

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E Type – Healey Silverstone #E80

Following the production of 51 D Type Healey Silverstones up until 1950 production of the E Type’s commenced with the latest E specification Healey chassis slightly larger body and distinguishing intake in the bonnet/hood.

Healey Silverstone, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

The earliest known owner for chassis #E80 featured today was M Reed in 1950.

Healey Silverstone, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

Dudley Hely is known to have started racing the car in 1952 starting with an appearance at Goodwood in May that year in the BARC Handicap, result unknown.

In September 1952 Dudley drove #E80 to it and his only known victory at Silverstone on the National Circuit.

Healey Silverstone, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

Dudley scored to 2nd place finishes in handicap events at Goodwood and Silverstone in 1953 and continued racing the car at both venues until 1956 when a bad crash with fatal consequences for the driver saw #E80 written off.

The wrecked car was subsequently broken up with the salvageable parts, that included; the chassis, front suspension, back axle and body, kept in storage for 40 years.

Healey Silverstone, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

By 2006 restoration of #E80 was well underway and in 2008 current owner Neil Collins raced the car carrying it’s original registration number at the Goodwood Revival meeting.

#E80 is seen in these photo’s just after Mr Collins arrival at the recent VSCC Spring Start meeting at Silverstone where he was spectating.

Healey Silverstone, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

Sharp eyed contributor Tim Murray pointed out to me some weeks ago that the Healey Silverstone #D6 which featured here some weeks ago is currently fitted with an E Type bonnet/hood with the distinctive air intake.

My thanks to Neil Collins and Tim Murray for their contribution to today’s “E Type” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I will be looking at a 1919 Indy Car. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Phizackerley Coachworks – Delage DIS Colonial Phizackerley Tourer

Today’s featured Delage DIS Colonial Tourer was built in 1927.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

It is powered by a 2198 cc / 134 cui variant of the Delage push rod overhead valve four cylinder engine.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

According to the blurb on display with this vehicle the body sits on a “Colonial” chassis which is both slightly longer, wider and has a higher ground clearnace than the regular DI, DIS and DISS Delage’s.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

It would appear the powered chassis was originally shipped to Australia.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

Once it got to Sydney coach builder Isaac Phizackerley built and fitted the Tourer bodywork.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

Phizackerely originally founded the Isaac Phizackerley’s Cycle Works in the 1890’s manufacturing bicycles and cycle tyres.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

In 1902 Phizackerley built at least two De Dion-Bouton powered single cylinder 6hp cars in 1902 one with an open two seat body and the other with an open four seat body.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

There after the company seems to have focused on building bodies for chassis from third parties several of which came from Delage in the 1920’s.

Delage DIS Colonial Tourer, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone,

The car seen in these photograph’s at last years Classic Car Show in Birmingham and at this years VSCC Spring Start was not registered for use on British roads until the 11th of July 2002.

Thanks for joining me on this “Phizackerley Coachworks” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be visiting Wales for my first Rally Cross meeting. Don’t forget to come back now.

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VSCC Spring Start – Silverstone

A couple of weeks ago I headed over to Silverstone for the VSCC Easter Spring Start meeting during which 11 races took place.

GN Ford Piglet, Doug Cawley, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Dougal Cawley headed the opening lap of the Fox & Nichol Trophy in his GN Ford known as Piglet, but after 12 mins it was a surprised Rudiger Friedrichs who took the flag on his debut on the 1932 #138 Alvis Firefly seen above in third place.

Frazer Nash Targa Florio, Ian Dalglish, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Eddie Lees won the race for Frazer Nash and GN cars from Martin Hunt both driving Frazer Nash’s, Tony Lees in COGNAC is seen above about to relieve Ian Dalglish in the #172 Frazer Nash of third place while Martin Stretton is seen with head lights blazing on a mission to make up ground from a fall to eight
place on lap 2, he finished an eventual 5th.

Lotus 18/21, Peter Horsman, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

After a first corner in which Connaught driver Micheal Steele was sent airborne to the detriment of his car but fortunately without injury to the driver, the Pre 1966 HGPCA race for Grand Prix cars was restarted and Peter Horsman in his 1961 #22 2 1/2 litre Lotus Climax 18/21 led all the way after starting 3rd on the grid.

Frazer Nash Fast Tourer, Chris Chilcott, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Chris Chilcott and Andy Bush are seen dicing for fourth on the opening lap of Race 4 for pre war sports cars, aboard Frazer Nash and Riley respectively, Chris never made it to the end of the first lap and Andy retired on lap 6 of the 8 lap race leaving Jo Blakeney – Edwards to win aboard her Frazer Nash.

Amilcar Hispano Special, Tom Walker, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Seen blasting past Astrophysicist Robin Tuluie’s #20 Riley Menasco Pirate above is the GP Italia Trophy race winner Tom Walker in his Amilcar Hispano Special.

Lagonda V12 Le Mans, Darren McWhirter, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

The longest race of the day, half an hour, was the Tom Cole Trophy Race for 1950’s sports cars, won by Darren McWhirtter in the 1954 #64 Lagonda V12 Le Mans seen lapping the 1952 #10 Nash Healey Le Mans driven by Sam Stretton.

Riley 12/4 Special, James Whitmore, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

The longest race of the day was followed by the shortest, the 5 lap All Comers Short handicap that was won by James Whitmore in the 1934 #156 Riley 12/4 Special seen leading a gaggle of earlier starters above.

Farrallac Allard Sports, Tony Bianchi, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

After early leader Lister driver Roberto Giordaneli out braked himself on the end of the Club straight on the opening lap, Tony Bianchi took the lead of the 50’s Sports and Sports Racing cars race in his Cadillac powered #7 Farrallac and holding off eventual winner Mark Lewis in his #100 Lister Chevrolet for four laps of the ten lap race.

Lotus 12, Andrew Smith, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

For the first 11 laps of the 13 lap Patrick Lindsey Memorial and Amschel Rothschild Trophy Andrew Smith looked set to finish 2nd in his #10 Lotus 12, seen above being followed by eventual third place finisher Frederick Harper in his Kurtis Roadster, until pole sitter and leader Philip Walker spun his Lotus 16 and had to settle for second.

Morgan Plus 8, Keith Ahlers, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Keith Ahlers smoked the field in the the AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge Series race leading all 18 laps from pole and setting fastest lap of the race to win by nearly half a minute in his fire breathing #29 Morgan Plus 8.

ERA E-Type GP1, Duncan Ricketts, VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone

Three ERA’s took turns leading the final All Comers Scratch Race for Pre War cars but Terry Crabb aboard ERA 12C, Nick Topliss aboard ERA R4D both gave way to 3rd place starter Duncan Ricketts aboard the ERA E-Type GP1 who took the lead on lap 3 and help it to the finish 5 laps later.

Thanks for joining me on this “VSCC Spring Start” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a Packard. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Saharan Adventurer – Delage DIS

In 1923 Delage launched it’s DI range of four cylinder cars.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

Initially these were powered by 30hp side valve 2,120 cc / 129 cui motors.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

In 1924 50hp DIS Sport and DISS Super Sport variants with overhead valves, aluminium pistons, Zenith carburetors, magneto ignition and thermosyphon cooling were offered.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

The DI, DIS and DISS were all equipped with a four speed gearbox and four wheel brakes, all considered advanced for this class of vehicle.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

The DI series were considered to have exceptional performance, comfortable suspension, light steering and good road holding while being rugged enough to handle the comparatively primitive roads of the day.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

The 1924 Delage DIS seen here in the Silverstone paddock at last month’s VSCC Spring Start meeting was first registered in the UK on the 23rd of October 1924.

Delage DI-S, VSCC, Spring Start, Silverstone

This particular Delage took part in the last 17 day Trans Sahara Run in 2010 from Tunisia to Benin, it’s finishing position is not known, if you know any results for the event please do not hesitate to chime in below.

Thanks for joining me on this “Saharan Adventurer” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I will be presenting the race winners from the races at VSCC Spring Start meeting. Don’t forget to come back now !

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