Solved NIC#1218 - Mephistophelgatti (Meph'gatti) of A T Norton

[nicanary]

What was this car called, and what engine and chassis?

[knewit]

MG base4d British hill climb special

[nicanary]

MG base4d British hill climb special

It is a car usually used for hillclimbs, but no MG parts I know of.

[nicanary]

Experts?

[FrontMan]

Lancia Artena chassis?

[nicanary]

Lancia Artena chassis?

You spotted the Lancia sliding-pillar i.f.s. ! However, it's not a Lancia chassis.

[nicanary]

Pros?

[gte4289]

What was this car called, and what engine and chassis?

Meph'gatti of A.T. Norton; 4.3-liter Lincoln motor, Bugatti frame, Lancia front suspension

[nicanary]

Well I've got nothing more to add. I think it was used mainly for hillclimbs and sprints rather than ciircuit races - photo taken in 1950.

[Allan L]

John Bolster in "Specials" has half a page on the Mephistophelgatti which, at the time he wrote it (1949), had the Bugatti Type 30 front springs with a Lombard front axle to give front brakes. JB was a bit surprised that there were 8 SU carburettors to feed the V12.
The Lancia front suspension must have been fitted more or less whilst Bolster was writing his book.
ETA This is said to be Mephistophelgatti in its earlier form:

[nicanary]

Thanks for yout input, useful as always. I've amended the puzzle title to reflect the full name of the car.