SOLVED: Djetset 711 - Chris Humberstone design proposal for the AC 428-based H.R Saluki

[Djetset]

Rover eight?

Not that one, but getting closer 

[Carnut]

Ford Essex V6?

Sorry, not that one.

But another 6-cylinder?

[Djetset]

Ford Essex V6?

Sorry, not that one.

But another 6-cylinder?

No, not a 6-cylinder.

[Paul Jaray]

American V8?

[Carnut]

Did Humberstone produce the design for one of the racing teams with which he was involved?
I know his involvement came later but perhaps he produced it for someone like Gordon Spice, who maybe had an idea he wanted to get into road cars?
At the time of this Humberstone proposal wasn't Gordon Spice, whilst working for Downton Engineering, involved (or had been involved) with Deep Sanderson?  Maybe they or Downton had the idea they could produce a saleable 4-seater?

[Djetset]

There is no connection with a racing team, but the engine is American-based.

[oko94]

Chevrolet engine ?

[Carnut]

There is no connection with a racing team, but the engine is American-based.

American-based but not actually American-made?

[Carnut]

This car was 'proposed' by Humberstone, rather than commissioned by anyone, but it was not for an 'established; car maker.  It was intended to have more than 4-cylinders.

So he did the design on spec with the hope that it would be taken up by someone specific but who was not an 'established' car maker.  Were they a wannabe car maker involved in some other aspect of transport?

[oko94]

Proposal for Jean Tastevin of Monica fame ?

[Djetset]

Gosh, so many questions!

The engine was American made, but not by Chevrolet.

No Monica connection at all, but Humberstone did have a link to the company he proposed this to (hint!)

[Carnut]

Did he do a Mini nose-job for them?!
If not maybe Williams & Pritchard?

Incidentally according to Steve Hole in his A-Z of Kit Cars, although the Siva S160 from which the Saluki was developed was shown at the Racing Car Show in 1971 the Saluki itself was launched at the Racing Car Show in 1973..  Is he wrong as well as Chris Rees?!

[Paul Jaray]

Ford engine?

[Djetset]

Yes to a Ford-based engine, but no to Williams & Pritchard.

I have the Siva down as a 1971 reveal, as per the sources I mentioned earlier.  Both Chris and I helped Steve Hole with his book, but for various reasons, it is not 100% accurate, so Steve is now woking on an updated and corrected version, which I am assisting him with.

[Carnut]

Harold Radford?
Or a racing-car builder maybe?

[Djetset]

Harold Radford?
Or a racing-car builder maybe?

Neither of these.

[Carnut]

Another coachbuilder, like Carbodies?

[Djetset]

Another coachbuilder? Carbodies?

Not really a coachbuilder.

[Carnut]

A car modifier, like Broadspeed?

[Djetset]

A car modifier, like Broadspeed?

Sorry but not really a modifier either

[Paul Jaray]

Anything to do with glass? Like Triplex?

[Carnut]

Most of the known Humberstone connections I know of have already been  discounted (Owen, Triplex, 408, Rapport, Panther) so that doesn't leave many..

Harold Radford perhaps, or Scorpion?

No, the first one on your list is right (H.R.Owen).  It's just that you hadn't mention them in the right context until now. 

I can feel points gathering here soon, as you got the designer, and who it was for, (plus you've touched on the make of its intended base, possibly by accident, but...) so the main outstanding question that's left now is its name?!

Not quite sure what we're still looking for as we've got the designer, who it was designed for, what it was called, what make of engine was intended to be fitted (and it must have been a V8 since you said it was neither 4 nor 6-cylinders!) and that it was hoped or intended to become an AC!

So, what are we still looking for?  Just which Ford engine?  302 cu in V8?

[Djetset]

That's a fare point Carnut, and in truth I'd forgotten that H R Owen had already been mentioned, as this puzzle has caused so much interest and debate. 

So, I'll close it off now, and add the final bit of information, which is the base car, which was planned to be the AC 428 model, using the 7-litre Ford V8 engine, mid-mounted. 

The car was planned as a 2+2 with gullwing doors, and was proposed to the senior board of H.R.Owen as an Owen-branded model when Chris Humberstone was working for them (briefly) as a car salesman during 1971.  He also proposed some other models, which didn't make it to production either, although ultimately H.R Owen did offer the Jaguar-based Sedanca that Humberstone designed. 

I have the original drawings for this Saluki, so I will post a scan of the overall design proposal shortly.  I hope you enjoyed a 'world debut' puzzle for a car that has never been seen before, and than you all (especially Carnut) for your interesting guesses 

[Carnut]

Thanks for a great puzzle Djetset - just my sort!

In truth I'd forgotten that the H.R. Owen connection had already been established too, hence I started repeating myself with questions about Harold Radford etc!  It was only when PJ asked the Triplex question and I went looking back as I was sure I'd already asked that one then I came across my post which included Triplex and H.R. Owen then your reply confirming it was Owen!

I wonder where they were going to put a 7-litre V8, especially as it had two seats in the back already!?  Perhaps tow it behind on a trailer?!

[Djetset]

As promised a while back, here are two further sketches/plans for Chris Humberstone's stillborn Saluki project.  It's a shame it never made it into production!