I'm surprised this car has not featured before now. What is it?
Experts?
Frazer-Nash?
I should know this, but most of the familiar 'Nash specials have a recognisable radiator apart from the big Norris and Rabelro both of which this isn't.
Quote from: Allan L on June 30, 2019, 11:17:52 AM
I should know this, but most of the familiar 'Nash specials have a recognisable radiator apart from the big Norris and Rabelro both of which this isn't.
You're correct. This isn't either of those.
So does it have an engine not usually associated with F-N?
Quote from: tobytwirl on June 30, 2019, 09:23:26 PM
So does it have an engine not usually associated with F-N?
Your assumption is correct.
Riley engine?
I assume it's a pre-war engine .... Alta?
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 01, 2019, 08:08:24 PM
I assume it's a pre-war engine .... Alta?
It is pre-war but not an Alta.
Have I got this right? It's a special with a Frazer Nash chassis and transmission and a prewar engine which was not fitted to a Frazer Nash as standard?
Quote from: D-type on July 02, 2019, 07:46:05 AM
Have I got this right? It's a special with a Frazer Nash chassis and transmission and a prewar engine which was not fitted to a Frazer Nash as standard?
I'm not sure whether the transmission was the usual F-N chain drive, but otherwise your deductions are correct.
AC-GN ?
Quote from: Willie McCrum on July 02, 2019, 11:43:45 AM
AC-GN ?
That would be the Cognac, I reckon. Sorry, wrong car. Not an AC engine.
Blackburne?
Nobody has asked yet - is the engine British?
Quote from: D-type on July 03, 2019, 12:58:16 PM
Nobody has asked yet - is the engine British?
Yes.
Alvis ???
For some reason this is proving more elusive than I expected ....... Wolseley?
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 04, 2019, 03:41:51 PM
For some reason this is proving more elusive than I expected ....... Wolseley?
No.
Singer?
Is it an obscure engine or can I keep guessing?
MG?
It's not an obscure make of engine whatsoever. Not MG !
About 1500cc?
Not a Ford/ Mercury V8.................
Aston Martin?
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 06, 2019, 06:29:49 PM
Aston Martin?
Yes! LOCKED for you - it shouldn't take long now.
I am beginning to doubt my sanity ........ why can I find nothing about this car. Please unlock.
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 07, 2019, 06:06:41 PM
I am beginning to doubt my sanity ........ why can I find nothing about this car. Please unlock.
OK. UNLOCKED. I wouldn't call it a very well-known car, but when I found the puzzle image, I recognised the name. It's the only image I could find - I prefer to use a period photo if I can find one, but naturally this is a recent one.
I've had another go at John Bolster's "Specials" and I'm confused because I think I remember the car I shall suggest looking rather different. However, here goes:
The Attenborough Special had a Frazer Nash chassis but without the usual multi-speed chain drive. It had an MG ENV preselector gearbox followed by a 'Nash bevel box and then duplicated chain drives to a solid axle. The engine was a sohc 1950cc unit from the experimental Aston Martin "Atom" and the body was a narrow two-seater from a 200-mile-race Talbot-Darracq.
Quote from: Allan L on July 08, 2019, 07:33:22 AM
I've had another go at John Bolster's "Specials" and I'm confused because I think I remember the car I shall suggest looking rather different. However, here goes:
The Attenborough Special had a Frazer Nash chassis but without the usual multi-speed chain drive. It had an MG ENV preselector gearbox followed by a 'Nash bevel box and then duplicated chain drives to a solid axle. The engine was a sohc 1950cc unit from the experimental Aston Martin "Atom" and the body was a narrow two-seater from a 200-mile-race Talbot-Darracq.
That's a lot more information than I could find, but you've found the right car. According to my notes the Aston Martin engine was supercharged.
It's the Attenborough Special as it is today, so the point goes to Allan L.
I cannot believe that I went through Bolster's book and didn't even notice the Attenborough Special ........
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 08, 2019, 05:11:49 PM
I cannot believe that I went through Bolster's book and didn't even notice the Attenborough Special ........
I don't have that book. (Note to self...........)
If anyone can find a period photo it woiuld enhance this thread - I have a feeling that the modern car has changed a bit.
Quote from: tobytwirl on July 08, 2019, 05:11:49 PM
I cannot believe that I went through Bolster's book and didn't even notice the Attenborough Special ........
Nor did I the first time - was mainly looking at pictures, which in the Attenborough's case there are none.
I think I remember Paul Jaye racing it at VSCC meetings a while ago, before he got the use of David Baldock's Alta.