Topic: SOLVED: Djetset #182 - Lester-Bristol c.1956-60

[woodinsight]

Although I'm pleased to see that a conclusion has been achieved with this puzzle I still share some misgivings about its true identity.
On reading through the Lester history (they were active between 1949 and 1955 by the way), there is no mention of a Bristol-engined car and none with this style of bodywork.

Barratt asked if there was any connection to his Jehu-Riley built by John Horridge.
What I can tell you is that John Horridge was racing a Lister-Bristol in 1957 with a non-standard body.
I have seen a photo of this car - basically similar but the bonnet and front grille are different.
Just a thought - the front end could have been replaced following an accident.

Anyway I'll continue my research but I think the only way to put this one to rest is for the present owner to come up with some photographic evidence and details of registration number.

That's what AutoPuzzles is all about isn't it?

[faksta]

That or to find entry lists for a number of Wiscombe Park events (say, 1955-1961) and look for car #29.

Oh, the fact that the Wiscombe Park hillclimb seems to be launched in 1958 makes it easier...

[woodinsight]

Unfortunately I don't have the entry lists as far back as that

[faksta]

If Djetset agrees this picture to be spread a little, we could ask at one very well known forum...

[barrett]

MJW - That's an interesting point, horridge owned at least TWO Lister-Bristols, the earlier car was reg. no. DEN 275 and originally had a 1.5 Riley engine like the Jehu. It was written off in 1957, and it had a Rochdale C-type body - The rear quarters of the puzzle car suggest that it's also a C-type shell with a modified nose....

Slightly off-topic, but interesting nonetheless

[woodinsight]

The photo I saw of the John Horridge Lister-Bristol was registered DEN 275 - the earlier car with the Rochdale C-Type body.
If necessary I can scan it but I'm not sure that it's relevant here.

[Djetset]

To Faksta's point; I am very happy for you to spread this photo around on other forums to help discover more about the car.

To Allan's point; 'Opinionated but sometimes wrong' to use your own strapline.  As the owner of two Bristols, this car really caught my eye at the 2009 Silverstone Classic, and I spoke at length about the machine to the Gilbern chap that knows the car and confirmed that it has a Bristol engine.  As an active member of the Bristol Owners Club, I have seen other Bristol-powered specials at Club events with an even lower bonnet (hood) line than this Lester.  I may put some of these up as puzzles in the future.  I do accept the point that this car may be earlier than 1960 though, hence the 'circa' remark.

[woodinsight]

One of my current puzzles also reflects this aspect!

[grobmotorix]

Finally this is solved...

[Ultra]

Upcoming Rare Car of the Week!

[Allan L]

What I can't find is where someone has pointed out that the photo is at Shelsley Walsh, not Wiscombe - must be on the thread Faksta has started in the other place.
See the Turner photo I posted in another thread here which is at much the same place.

[faksta]

It was indeed on that other forum