Topic: Solved NIC#1350 - Proposed 1957 Le Mans entry of Graham Waddup.

[nicanary]

This car is an enigma. Some people think it's an internet hoax. I think it makes an interesting puzzle.

I can find no name for the car - it's quite possible it was never given a name. For one point, please tell me the "designer" (I think he may have only designed the bodywork), the man who commissioned the build, and the type of engine.

[nicanary]

Experts?

[BattlePorQ]

Jaguar drivetrain?

[nicanary]

Jaguar drivetrain?

No.

[richard fridd]

Strother MacMinn ?

[nicanary]

Strother MacMinn ?

Nothing to do with him.

[D-type]

British?

[nicanary]

British?

Yes.

[driggy.dragos]

Could not find a specific name.
Anyhow, i found it mentioned as KUR 3C (based on the license plate) or as the Waddup Special succesor.
The car was constructed by farmer/owner/driver Graham Waddup and his team to compete at 1958 LeMans, but the project stopped when sponsor Esso withdraw from the project.

[nicanary]

You found it! You even posted a photo I was going to post showing the car when last seen.

LOCKED for you. See if you can find the engine which was going to be used,  and the name of the supposed designer (not Waddup).

[driggy.dragos]

Body was drawn by Alan Brooking and build by pro coachbuilder and friend of Waddup - Joe Matthys.
As for the engine supposed to be fitted (but never build) - Coventry-Climax 744cc 'FWC'

[nicanary]

Body was drawn by Alan Brooking and build by pro coachbuilder and friend of Waddup - Joe Matthys.
As for the engine supposed to be fitted (but never build) - Coventry-Climax 744cc 'FWC'

Yes. Alan Brooking is sometimes called the designer but he was an advertising executive and I guess he designed the bodywork but not the chassis.

The car was intended for the 1957 Le Mans 24 hours and the FWC (a short-stroke FWA) was one of a small batch to be built, but only 1 was constructed and it was used by Lotus to win the class that year. I have wondered if Colin Chapman applied pressure to Climax because he feared competition - he had a record for that.

The car was used in advertising, probably without an engine, but must have been completed at some point to require a registration which dates from 1965.

[fromwien]

 

[D-type]

The C suffixed registration dates from 1963 not 1965

[nicanary]

I thought the suffix A was 1963. Carnut will know.....

[nicanary]

Some more photos of this fascinating car. Apparently Esso "pulled" their sponsorship when they realised it was competing against Lotus. It was tiny!

[Carnut]

I thought the suffix A was 1963. Carnut will know.....

The 'C' suffix was 1965 and KUR 3C was issued by Hertfordshire County Council in August, 1965.
1963 was 'A' but few authorities actually issued any numbers with the A suffix; most commenced with 'B' suffixes in April 1964.
I have two 1965 cars, both with 'C' registrations: FNB 449C and KHH 156C. Both are actually later age-related issues.