Solved - MJW #256 - Marsh Special 1955, Ford-based (or Austin A40?)

[barrett]

What's this? I have no idea, other than what you can see. A point if you can prove what it is

[barrett]

Experts?

[FrontMan]

....seems to be based on a Triumph TR3, by someone who really wanted a Vauxhall Wyvern, or a DKW Meisterklasse!!!

[barrett]

I hadn't considered Triumph as the base, but yes it certainly seems to be based on something with a bit more grunt than the usual Ford 10, judging by the wheels

[barrett]

Pros?

[nicanary]

I thought to myself - what car has been fitted with more bespoke bodywork than anything else? I checked the front wheels, and they look awfully like the Jowett Jupiter. Sadly, I can't find proof.

[barrett]

ha! Yes I did think the wheels looked like Jupiter items, but actually they're not quite right... several people have suggested it is Triumph TR-based now, and I'm inclined to agree - the windscreen and wheels match, but it still begs the question: who built a four-seat TR2/3, and why?

[nicanary]

Is it a 4-seater? The soft-top looks too short in length. The seat back we can see could well be the front seat because the driver is leaning over towards the passenger.

PS I don't suppose you know the location? It looks like the start of a rally, but the cars don't carry any plates.

[barrett]

Well, maybe a three-seater. The driver is crouching behind the door, there is a lady in the back seat and a gent in the front passenger seat. It's a bit clearer in the full size image, but the lady is certainly sitting further back than the gent.

[nicanary]

Well, maybe a three-seater. The driver is crouching behind the door, there is a lady in the back seat and a gent in the front passenger seat. It's a bit clearer in the full size image, but the lady is certainly sitting further back than the gent.

Yes, I see more clearly now. I thought it could be a female driver because of the hairstyle but I can understand the photo more fully after your explanation. The Triumph connection made me think in terms of a modernised Morgan Plus 4 4-seater.

Re the above - do you know the location?

[barrett]

Sadly not. Maybe somebody can recognise one of the club badges on the front? It might help pin down the location if it's a regional motor club...

[Allemano]

Don't know if that might help, but the car looks like disguised with one huge front mask. There's maybe a fairly common car underneath?

[Paul Jaray]

I have it as Marsh's '35 Austin A40 Special

[barrett]

aha, it seems that is the case. I even commented on it last time it was a puzzle!

Now, can anyone tell me the original source for the information? And can somebody please merge?

Paul - you get a point

https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2011-39/solved-mjw-256-marsh-austin-a40-special-1955/msg155004/#msg155004

[fromwien]

Please be so kind and identify this vehicle

[fromwien]

Experts?

[fromwien]

Professionals?

[barrett]

A repost, I think. 1955 Austin A40 Special by Tony Marsh

[fromwien]

Yes, you are right, it is a repost, because my source names another base car and builder's first name (I don't know, which source is the right one)
Depending to my source, '1955', 'Special' and 'Marsh' are right
LOCKED for 'barrett'

[barrett]

Sorry, my mistake, this is Frank Marsh.

I believe this was published in a British car magazine in the 1970s where it was descirbed as an Austin A40 base, so I don't have any suggestion for an alternative. I've never seen this car described in a period magazine, sadly.

[fromwien]

Dear 'Barrett', believing my source, Frank Marsh should be correct. Hint: the base of this car has been commonly used for specials..
Still LOCKED

[barrett]

Ford Pop?

[fromwien]

Yes
I'll add the picture of the article mentioning this car

[fromwien]

Please check these links about the same car:
https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2017-47/solved-mjw-256-marsh-austin-a40-special-1955/msg447724/#msg447724
https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2017-47/solved-mjw-256-marsh-austin-a40-special-1955/

[Wendax]

Merged and header changed