SOLVED: Djeset 692 - Netuar, Peugeot-based racer by Rauten Hartman, South Africa

[Djetset]

It seems my previous Number 692 puzzle had been posted previously (the Hawker Special) so I have now changed the image.

So, please correctly identify the car below (its name, builder details, and the mechanical base) and a point might be yours.

[Djetset]

Racing ahead.

[Djetset]

Which Pro will take the chequered flag?

[nicanary]

This is a strange one. It reminds me of the first ATS F1 car, but I know it isn't. It seems to have a white plastic steering wheel from a production car, and even everyday steel wheels. I think it could be an early American attempt at a Formula A car - that looks like it could be a Ford 289 in the back.

Am I anywhere close?

[Djetset]

Sorry Nicanary, but so far way off on nearly all counts 

[serra]

Is it from Europe?

[Djetset]

Is it from Europe?

The base is, but the car is not.

[Paul Jaray]

From South Africa?

[Djetset]

From South Africa?

Yes!

[Paul Jaray]

Not an Alfa Special, right?

[Djetset]

Not an Alfa Special, right?

You are right, it is not an Alfa special.

[nicanary]

I've checked the exhaust arrangements for the Alfa, so I know it's not.

I've had a look through entry lists for SA races of that period, and there doesn't seem to be anything which matches. The engine could be a Climax though.

Is this a car which complied with the then-current Formula 1 ?

[Djetset]

I've checked the exhaust arrangements for the Alfa, so I know it's not.

I've had a look through entry lists for SA races of that period, and there doesn't seem to be anything which matches. The engine could be a Climax though.

Is this a car which complied with the then-current Formula 1 ?

My information on this car and when/where is raced is limited, although I suspect it dod not compete in Formula 1 AFAIK.  The engine is not a Climax though.

[nicanary]

Peugeot engine?

[Djetset]

Peugeot engine?

Top detective work. Yes sir, Peugeot it is!  So, just it's name needed now to complete the lap. Locked until your next reply.

[nicanary]

Is this Rauten Hartmann's car? (the Netuar).

[Djetset]

Is this Rauten Hartmann's car? (the Netuar).

Well done Nicary, you've taken the chequered flag.  This is the Netuar (named after its creator Rauten, spelt backwards).  Another point to you, and if you have any additional information on this car, this will be very helpful.  Thanks.

[nicanary]

Thanks for the point. I wish I could help, but I can't find any more photos of the car.

It appears to have been built to regulations which allowed it to compete in F1 races, although organisers were more relaxed in those days in order to accomodate local entries. It was entered in the 1961 Rand GP (one of the series of F1 races which used to be held before the World Championship South African GP)  , qualified last and retired. It had engine problems, and missed the Natal GP, Cape GP and the SA GP itself.

In 1962 it again entered the Rand GP but did not qualify to take part,  and was not entered in the Natal GP or SA GP.

In 1963 it qualified slowest for the Rand GP and finished (!) 15th, and not last, in heat 1. 16th in heat 2, and 14th on aggregrate, 4 laps behind in a 50 lap race. It was not entered in the SA gp.

The driver was still optimistic in 1964, and qualified 20th (from 24)  for the Rand GP. He finished 15th and last in heat 1, but retired in heat 2 with engine trouble. I'll leave it here, I think we all get the idea.

I guess the engine was from a 403 - this would have fitted the 1500cc maximum for the F1 formula, and was a very tuneable unit.

The car is apparently in this photo, #23 if you can see it (I can't) and this is the start of the 1963 Rhodesian GP which must have been for Formula Libre or some local regulations.

(PS I've just found out that it was a Peugeot 203 engine(!), so the frequent engine failures may be explained by the fact that it was possibly bored out and very highly tuned.)

[serra]

I am a bit frustrated because yesterday I was near to solve it, I found a page with an entry list for a SA race in 1960 where apeared the Netuar Special dirven by JAR Hartman and I tryed in google search images with any results. it is clear I must learn to guess for solving this difficult puzzles, congrats Nicanary well done. 

I had reviewed my computer historial for finding the page where I saw the car and here is the screen shot with the entry list, sorry I cant add more.

[Djetset]

Wow, thank you for the additional information Nicanary, and sorry that you lost out on this one Serra, I know that feeling well as this often happens to me too!