I just remembered some transporter pictures I have. These show how the cobras arrived at Lake Garnett for their showdown with the corvettes on July 7th, 1963.
A privateer cobra arrives pulled by a Pontiac Station wagon, tires on the roof rack.
Chuck:
The 289 Cobra in your photos (post 930) was that of Bob Johnson, CSX2026, which has been restored and is now in the Shelby American Collection in Boulder, Colorado.
Frank
Full Version: Transporters
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51
Ferrari Transporter - Zandvoort 1969
Fine pictures ! Thanks !
On www.tomfarrington.com Klaus kb37 is a picture from 1960 Nurburgring . On the right are transporters , any chance of id the racecars or..... ???
Given the interest earlier in the Gulf Transporters, I thought some members might be interested to know that 1:43 scale models are on their way, with prototypes being shown at the recent Nurenberg Toyfair.
From Premium Classics :
& from Spark :
From Premium Classics :
& from Spark :
Silverstone British GP & on the left it is the Brabham transporter and on the right the Williams transporter.
The two cars are the BT26As that Jacky Ickx had the use of.
Posted on behalf of Bjørn 
1965 Zandvoort : Any ideas on the open transporter in front of the BRM rig?
Thanks
1965 Zandvoort : Any ideas on the open transporter in front of the BRM rig?
Thanks
Please have a look at post 1303 again! To me it looks like an MG on top of the transporter ? But in 1960 such a british transporter ? Whats the other car on that transporter? Any help ?
Beautifull model pics from Jager and a super one from real by Stephen W ! Thanks !
Last post , I looked for other "big" races at the Duth GP in 1965 , found none ? Also looked at the entry list but no one suits that Fiat open transporter Any ideas . It could perhaps be a local autotransporter if there was a national race of some kind ? I also thought of earlier years , but no logic there ? Any guesses ?
Hi all I have a question concerning Tyrrell transporter I have asked Mr.Delane but he have probably other things to do.
I know that the used it to transport Tyrrell’s cars in Europe to P34 days. And I wonder is there space to fit three P34? Or did they use more transporters?
Regards
Tobias
I know that the used it to transport Tyrrell’s cars in Europe to P34 days. And I wonder is there space to fit three P34? Or did they use more transporters?
Regards
Tobias
There are some interesting pictures of Tyrell Transportere at Sutton Images com (key:transporter ) in Elf and citybank liveries ,a semi trailer and a Luton. They did not cover the all 70 years but the second part .First Tyrell had a dark blue with the Elf livery only .
http://www.sutton-images.com/
http://www.sutton-images.com/
Thanks I meant the first Leyland it looks like there can go in three cars over each other? (post 102 made by conjohn)
Posted on behalf of Bjørn
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rob Ryder
[B]Posted on behalf of Bjørn
Ah, the famous Mrs Tyrrell draw!!
[B]Posted on behalf of Bjørn
Ah, the famous Mrs Tyrrell draw!!
Thanks Rob!
Gregor 
Gregor
Originally posted by Bjørn Kjer
Gregor
Gregor Hi Bjorn - proof at last to my rambles in post 1286!!
And the same ,but opened (copyright motors ,screen capture)
Why do you want this team goes to F1 ?
why?
its a citroen HY long wheelbase .Why Not? Matra had a Renault galion ,Alpine too.
its a citroen HY long wheelbase .Why Not? Matra had a Renault galion ,Alpine too.
Here's some different photo's of the Brumos owned MB transporter. Taken at the 2007 Amelia.
Originally posted by rdrcr
How very cool - this thread. Nothing like the complete package showing up at the local historics, especially if the transporter was a part of the history of the car.
Here is an interesting story of a Dodge racing car transporter that was built in 1940.
From: www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
The Authors note:
Please be aware that what follows is just my opinion based on my experiences in this subject. All matters relating to motoring law, or any other legal/official matters should be pursued with the relevant authorities. I cannot accept any liability for loss/damage/divorce/grey hair or any other misfortune based on any of the following advice, given as it is in good faith only.
Ta.
This is the biggest classic vehicle project that I've taken on to date, by a long long way! This unique historic vehicle was used in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a racing car transporter by the R.D. Poore motor racing equipe, where he ran (as a privateer) his former-Grand Prix winning (ex-Scuderia Ferrari / Nuvolari) 1930s supercharged Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C at numerous sprints, hillclimbs and vintage motor racing meetings in the postwar years.
Originally Dennis Poore used his old Ford V8 road car to drag the Alfa on its trailer around the country, but this was proving to be hard work for the underpowered Ford. The trailer actually began life in the 1930s when Poore designed it to carry his little supercharged MG to pre-war race meetings, including Brooklands. Once he had acquired the Alfa, the trailer saw a number of modifications, not least a widening exercise to get the bulkier Alfa onto the trailer in the first place. Also the original knock-on wheels fitted to the trailer were replaced with conventional bolt on affairs, which is still has to this day. Also the canopy was constructed, with a view to improving the aerodynamics and to some extent the handling of the trailer whilst on tow. The frame of the trailer consists of a tubular chassis, with drop down (jointed) support legs and a winch constructed by the team, built using the crownwheel and pinion from his old MG sports car. The canopy, which originally had canvas ends to protect the Alfa whilst on board, looks to be possibly constructed from aero quality aluminium, as the riveting is to a high standard and the skin has one or two circular holes on it which could have once contained aircraft navigation lights, yet serve no purpose in this application. Rubber wings are fitted, and have survived remarkably well.
Anyway, as mentioned the old V8 Ford with this substantial trailer and Alfa Romeo hitched up behind proved to be no ball of fire, so the hunt was on for a replacement tow vehicle. Poore was ex-RAF, so whether this helped I don't know, but its believed that the Dodge he chose came from a sell-off auction not long after WW2, when many of these heavyweight 3 ton Dodges were disposed of, not least due to their thirst for petrol. This particular example, shipped over originally in 1940/41 as a chassis/scuttle assembly direct from Chryslers plant in Michigan, was part of a consignment originally destined for France, but, on the invasion by the axis powers, was re-directed to the allied forces where they were split between both the Army and Royal Air Force. Many RAF vehicles were fitted out with a standard cargo body, but a number were dispatched to the coachbuilding firm of Mulliners, in Birmingham, to be bodied as crewbuses. There were 2 versions, one with the standard Dodge cab and separate Mulliner rear bodywork (a speaker tube connecting the driver to his crew) and an integral version, whereby the Dodge chassis/scuttle (to just above the windscreen) had an integral version of the 'bus bodywork fitted. Its the latter that mine has, featuring non-Dodge panelwork from the doors and cab roof, back.
During the war, it would have been fitted with a substantial brush guard ahead of the grille assembly (as testified by the holes let into the front grille to accomodate the guard stays), and blackout curtains to the rear windows, none of which are there now (and were probably removed prior to auction just after the war). Other than these few modifications, the truck would have been sold on pretty much 'as is', the intricate folding step below the 2 rear doors for instance still remaining. To modify the vehicle for its new role, Poore added in a winch, wheel stops, and bracketry to support the ramps that the car would have gone up and down. Later on in its new life it gained a hinged frame to the nearside bodywork, which hinges out and clipped to a pair of vertical support legs, over which a canvas cover would be rolled, this being rolled up and tied to the Dodge's roof when not required. The original headlamps were removed at some time in its life, being deemed not very effective (6v electrics still remain however) and were replaced with an expensive pair of Marchal lamps, one of which has been damaged some time ago, but for which I have a replacement 'in stock'.
Similar vehicles were used by other drivers after the war, I believe Connaught for instance ran a similarly styled separate bodied version on a 6 wheeled Austin chassis, and I have seen a photograph of a former Dodge crewbus (separate, standard Dodge cab) behind a photo of George Abecassis' racing car, this one having had its windows paneled over and covered with numerous period sponsor advertisements. My vehicle still bears some of the hallmarks of its earlier, pre-transporter, life, most notably in the varied selection of tyres that it still wears, a few of which are to original military pattern. When the rear doors are open, a pair of small lockers with hinged down covers are exposed, and carefully investigating them beneath several layers of paint, exposed an original plastic-type label affixed to the cover of one of these locker lids, proclaiming 'Chains', which presumably meant that they were designed to carry chains for fitting to the tyres should the going get boggy out on an airfield somewhere, this being of course part of the Mulliner bodywork.
Talking of the coachbuilt Mulliner bodywork, I did strike lucky on one thing. Someone I know is big on old military Dodge trucks, and he came to have a look at my old bus. Known to him is a gent that makes small volume white metal kits for the specialist model builder market and he'd recently produced a detailed model of an Avro Lancaster, with which he was planning to market a model of a RAF crewbus. Previously he'd only been able to work with some grainy old photos to get his modeling correct, and was therefore very interested when he heard about the existence of my old lorry. He wasted little time in coming over to view the old girl, and spent 2 happy
hours measuring and photographing everything he could. In return, he was able to provide me with some faded photocopies of the original Mulliner design blueprints for my exact vehicle, and the separate bodied version also, both on the self same 3 ton 188" wheelbase VK spec (VK62B) Dodge chassis.
This was a major find and has allowed me to further understand the original configuration of the vehicle during it's earlier years in active service. From an article in Wheels and Tracks magazine (Issue 28 if anyone has a spare?) there is a good write-up on the VK62B model Dodge, and mention is made of my type of vehicle.
What is interesting is that a number were converted late on in the war to be used as mobile training classrooms, used by companies such as Rotol in the instruction and training in the use of their propellers.
One curious feature that I've yet to get to the bottom of is the existence of the very Mulliner-esque aluminium swoopy strips that exist on the front doors and on top of the bonnet, running from the centre of the bonnet's leading edge, diagonally across the top panel, extending across the cowl and down the doors. These seem to be strange things to have on a military vehicle, the need for which must have been quite pressing and urgent at the time, unless maybe it was a demonstrator vehicle produced by Mulliners, on to which they added a few styling cues hinting at their earlier (grander) designs for Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars of the 1930s?? On removing them the paint below is just a yellow primer type stuff, the various blues and (in Poore's ownership) dark green being applied around the strips. If I look carefully there are signs of there having been 2 similar swoopy strips running down each side of the rear bodywork, starting narrow and splaying out and downwards as they pass over the rear wheels, very much in the style of civilian buses from the 1940s - maybe Mulliners once again applying a dash of style to what was really a utilitarian design (though surely costly to produce) requirement?? The strips along the rear sides have long since been removed, possibly by Poore, possibly so as not to get in the way of the sponsorship signwriting that has been applied. Only the mounting screw holes remain for where the trim once ran, that and signs of early corrosion that must have occurred as a result of a reaction between the alloy trim and steel panelling, marking out where the trim would once have run.
I've tried to establish what colour schemes the Dodge has had during its life. This isn't proving to be too easy. Although very faded now, the paintwork seen here in the photographs started out as a deep green colour, probably matching the green that Poore ran the Alfa in, confirmed by both of the 2 team mechanics who I was fortunate in being able to speak with about their times with Poore and his motor racing exploits.
Scraping through the layers of paint however does throw up some questions. For instance, below and to the outside of the aluminium strips already mentioned there are signs of a dark blue on top of a lighter blue paint colour, this runs from the outside of the bonnet top strips, down the sides, taking in the front wings and the front doors below the strips. However above the aluminium strips, and between them on top of the bonnet, running rear up and over the cab, there are signs of a dusty yellow directly beneath its current green topcoat, which seems to indicate that it may have run with a strange colour scheme at some point in its life. And as the colour scheme seems to directly follow the line of these aluminium flashing strips, the earlier life of this truck seems ever more confusing. Was it converted into a mobile classroom sometime during the war and then updated with these civilian style aluminium flashings? maybe it saw some service out in the desert (hence the sandy yellow paint to be found), then brought back and assigned to training duties, receiving at this point some sections of repainting in blue and maybe these strips at the same time, possibly applied by some RAF engineers just to improve the look of the vehicle, or differentiate it from those still in active airfield duty? I really don't know, I've yet to find any markings or military insignia beneath its current paintjob, but hopefully something will come to light.
One of the main things I've tried to achieve away from the vehicle itself is to locate photographs of the truck in action, probably in a paddock photograph taken back in the 1940s or 1950s, and in this respect I have had some success. One of my early finds was courtesy of the programme issued for the first Goodwood Revival meeting back in 1998, which shows an overhead view of the paddock at the inaugural Goodwood race meeting, at what used to be RAF Westhampnett. Along the righthandside is a line of parked racing car transporters, one of which is the Dodge, although only the back end can be seen, with the Alfa a couple of positions further along, being worked on by the mechanics (Sten 'Tammy' Aberg and Bill Lawes).
A slightly better picture can be found (as I found quite by chance!) in a book on the Brabham motor racing team, by Alan Henry, published sometime in the 1980s. Part way through this book is a picture of Bernie Ecclestone, back when he was starting out his interests in motor racing in a little 500cc racing car. In the background, and slightly out of focus, is the back end of the Dodge (this time emblazoned with its sponsor advertising) with the ramps extending rearwards, and the Alfa parked alongside, partially covered, perhaps due to it raining? Another period shot was found only recently at the 2002 Goodwood Festival of Speed, whilst I was wading through hundreds of old motor racing photographs on the offchance of finding a shot that included the Dodge. Amongst a binder of amateur photographs, I stumbled across a picture of a 1930s Mercedes sports car, and clearly parked behing it is the Dodge, showing 2/3rds of the truck and this time, including the front end. This was a great and fortuitous find, and is a valued addition to my growing history file. Finding pictures of Poore driving, whether in the Alfa or in the Connaught or Aston, is not too difficult, and I've been able to acquire quite a selection from leads found via the internet, and other organisations such as the Midland Automobile Club, who have been holding hillclimb meetings since the earliest time of UK motor racing.
Another great find, in a more recent publication, was pointed out to me in the form of an article published in Classic & Sportscar magazine back in 1988, shortly after Poore's death. This article discussed the quandry facing owners of historic racing cars, and the extents to which they should be restored for racing or left in their untouched and totally original condition. Much of the article was given over to the extrication of the timewarp Alfa Romeo and the Dodge, plus all the other team effects such as pit boards and spares, and there were some great pictures of both the car and the Dodge at slumber. A contact of mine also furnished me with a picture of the Dodge when it temporarily was put on display in the Donington Park motor racing museum. Another interesting find was also made over the Festival of Speed weekend, in the shape of an original auction catalogue for the '88 Monaco sale. Of course, if anyone has any further pictures showing the old Dodge in use, and they'd be willing to let me take a copy of it (or at least see it) then please do get in touch, it'd be much appreciated.
As I've already mentioned briefly, I was fortunate enough to be able to make contact with the 2 mechanics who worked for this amateur racing team 50+ years ago. Initially it was Tammy (real name Sten) Aberg who I found, or rather who found me, via a picture I sent of the old Dodge to Classic & Sportscar magazine a few years ago. I met up with Tammy a number of times, and spent many hours talking about motor racing back then, not just with Poore, but the whole scene of postwar motorsport in the UK. He was able to furnish me with further tales of interest with regard to the Dodge and the exploits that it experienced. And he put me in touch with Bill Lawes, who now lives in New Zealand but still keeps a close eye on motor sport and the new life that the Alfa now leads courtesy of its California-based owner. I was also fortunate enough to meet up with Bill and he was able to add to the stories that Tammy (who is sadly no longer with us) told me. It may be possible that there is a family link on my dads side of the family to the Poore family, going back to around 1900 but until I've done some more research on this side of things, I can't prove or disprove this apparent link, based on what I was told about the Poore side by Tammy, and a family tree discovered at my Great Uncles house when it was cleared a couple of years back.
Interest in older race car transporters is in the ascendancy at the moment, as they make for ideal carriages for any historic racing car and look more the part than any double
glazed brand new monolith. The Dodge must be pretty much the oldest surviving (original) race car transporter in the country, and amongst the oldest survivors to be found anywhere. There are some notable survivors, built later than the Dodge, that are now enjoying the spotlight at historic race meetings around the globe, the most famous of which is probably the supercharged 2 stroke Commer, as used by Ecurie Ecosse in the late 1950s to transport their D-Type Jaguars around to meetings.
The old BRM transporter is still around too, and looks just right, ie not too shiny and overly restored, a fate which befalls many old vehicles, leaving them to look a little artificial and new. I'm told the original Vanwall transporter is still around too, although I'm not sure what make of truck this is based upon.
Grabbing many headlines last year, not least at the 2001 Festival of Speed, was Mercedes' re-incarnated high speed transporter, designing specifically for moving their grand prix and sports racing cars around Europe as quickly as possible, itself having a development version of a racing engine installed. The original transporter was chopped up in the late 1960s, but such is the interest now in these historic haulers that Mercedes took the big step of commissioning a reconstruction of this stunning vehicle. A recent Festival of Speed also had on display a mouthwatering collection of Auto Union Grand Prix cars, with a couple of replica transporters recreated on behalf of Audi, to park alongside the historic racing cars to complete the scene.
There must be other original transporters around, maybe sat in fields or the back of scrapyards, as yet to be rescued for preservation - I'd be fascinated to see pictures or be given leads on any other such trucks that still survive. Recently whilst chatting with the guy who originally moved the Dodge for me, I discovered that he has found an old transporter at a yard somewhere in the northwest of England, apparently in quite good condition. He seems to think that its probably from the late 1960s, but he couldnt remember offhand which team, a sportscar team he thought, had used it. I also spotted a transporter for sale on ebay a few months back, probably ex-Formula 1 from the early 1970s, based on a Bedford chassis and still in use from what I could tell. To get that restored in its original livery (assuming it was decked out in team colours) would be a great sight!! If I'd had the room I may have gone for that one too, not that I need any more big projects just now!
To aid this project, and further my insight into the history of this truck, I'd welcome any input that anyone has regarding R.D. Poore Motor Racing, the Dodge, and any photos or information that people may have on other 3 ton Dodge VK trucks (or the '39 TK and '41 WK), as so far I've not uncovered a great deal of information on this particular model of truck (except for workshop manuals etc. which I've got a few of now).
~END~
A great story, and perhaps someone here can help this fellow out...
How very cool - this thread. Nothing like the complete package showing up at the local historics, especially if the transporter was a part of the history of the car.
Here is an interesting story of a Dodge racing car transporter that was built in 1940.
From: www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
The Authors note:
Please be aware that what follows is just my opinion based on my experiences in this subject. All matters relating to motoring law, or any other legal/official matters should be pursued with the relevant authorities. I cannot accept any liability for loss/damage/divorce/grey hair or any other misfortune based on any of the following advice, given as it is in good faith only.
Ta.
This is the biggest classic vehicle project that I've taken on to date, by a long long way! This unique historic vehicle was used in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a racing car transporter by the R.D. Poore motor racing equipe, where he ran (as a privateer) his former-Grand Prix winning (ex-Scuderia Ferrari / Nuvolari) 1930s supercharged Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C at numerous sprints, hillclimbs and vintage motor racing meetings in the postwar years.
Originally Dennis Poore used his old Ford V8 road car to drag the Alfa on its trailer around the country, but this was proving to be hard work for the underpowered Ford. The trailer actually began life in the 1930s when Poore designed it to carry his little supercharged MG to pre-war race meetings, including Brooklands. Once he had acquired the Alfa, the trailer saw a number of modifications, not least a widening exercise to get the bulkier Alfa onto the trailer in the first place. Also the original knock-on wheels fitted to the trailer were replaced with conventional bolt on affairs, which is still has to this day. Also the canopy was constructed, with a view to improving the aerodynamics and to some extent the handling of the trailer whilst on tow. The frame of the trailer consists of a tubular chassis, with drop down (jointed) support legs and a winch constructed by the team, built using the crownwheel and pinion from his old MG sports car. The canopy, which originally had canvas ends to protect the Alfa whilst on board, looks to be possibly constructed from aero quality aluminium, as the riveting is to a high standard and the skin has one or two circular holes on it which could have once contained aircraft navigation lights, yet serve no purpose in this application. Rubber wings are fitted, and have survived remarkably well.
Anyway, as mentioned the old V8 Ford with this substantial trailer and Alfa Romeo hitched up behind proved to be no ball of fire, so the hunt was on for a replacement tow vehicle. Poore was ex-RAF, so whether this helped I don't know, but its believed that the Dodge he chose came from a sell-off auction not long after WW2, when many of these heavyweight 3 ton Dodges were disposed of, not least due to their thirst for petrol. This particular example, shipped over originally in 1940/41 as a chassis/scuttle assembly direct from Chryslers plant in Michigan, was part of a consignment originally destined for France, but, on the invasion by the axis powers, was re-directed to the allied forces where they were split between both the Army and Royal Air Force. Many RAF vehicles were fitted out with a standard cargo body, but a number were dispatched to the coachbuilding firm of Mulliners, in Birmingham, to be bodied as crewbuses. There were 2 versions, one with the standard Dodge cab and separate Mulliner rear bodywork (a speaker tube connecting the driver to his crew) and an integral version, whereby the Dodge chassis/scuttle (to just above the windscreen) had an integral version of the 'bus bodywork fitted. Its the latter that mine has, featuring non-Dodge panelwork from the doors and cab roof, back.
During the war, it would have been fitted with a substantial brush guard ahead of the grille assembly (as testified by the holes let into the front grille to accomodate the guard stays), and blackout curtains to the rear windows, none of which are there now (and were probably removed prior to auction just after the war). Other than these few modifications, the truck would have been sold on pretty much 'as is', the intricate folding step below the 2 rear doors for instance still remaining. To modify the vehicle for its new role, Poore added in a winch, wheel stops, and bracketry to support the ramps that the car would have gone up and down. Later on in its new life it gained a hinged frame to the nearside bodywork, which hinges out and clipped to a pair of vertical support legs, over which a canvas cover would be rolled, this being rolled up and tied to the Dodge's roof when not required. The original headlamps were removed at some time in its life, being deemed not very effective (6v electrics still remain however) and were replaced with an expensive pair of Marchal lamps, one of which has been damaged some time ago, but for which I have a replacement 'in stock'.
Similar vehicles were used by other drivers after the war, I believe Connaught for instance ran a similarly styled separate bodied version on a 6 wheeled Austin chassis, and I have seen a photograph of a former Dodge crewbus (separate, standard Dodge cab) behind a photo of George Abecassis' racing car, this one having had its windows paneled over and covered with numerous period sponsor advertisements. My vehicle still bears some of the hallmarks of its earlier, pre-transporter, life, most notably in the varied selection of tyres that it still wears, a few of which are to original military pattern. When the rear doors are open, a pair of small lockers with hinged down covers are exposed, and carefully investigating them beneath several layers of paint, exposed an original plastic-type label affixed to the cover of one of these locker lids, proclaiming 'Chains', which presumably meant that they were designed to carry chains for fitting to the tyres should the going get boggy out on an airfield somewhere, this being of course part of the Mulliner bodywork.
Talking of the coachbuilt Mulliner bodywork, I did strike lucky on one thing. Someone I know is big on old military Dodge trucks, and he came to have a look at my old bus. Known to him is a gent that makes small volume white metal kits for the specialist model builder market and he'd recently produced a detailed model of an Avro Lancaster, with which he was planning to market a model of a RAF crewbus. Previously he'd only been able to work with some grainy old photos to get his modeling correct, and was therefore very interested when he heard about the existence of my old lorry. He wasted little time in coming over to view the old girl, and spent 2 happy
hours measuring and photographing everything he could. In return, he was able to provide me with some faded photocopies of the original Mulliner design blueprints for my exact vehicle, and the separate bodied version also, both on the self same 3 ton 188" wheelbase VK spec (VK62B) Dodge chassis.
This was a major find and has allowed me to further understand the original configuration of the vehicle during it's earlier years in active service. From an article in Wheels and Tracks magazine (Issue 28 if anyone has a spare?) there is a good write-up on the VK62B model Dodge, and mention is made of my type of vehicle.
What is interesting is that a number were converted late on in the war to be used as mobile training classrooms, used by companies such as Rotol in the instruction and training in the use of their propellers.
One curious feature that I've yet to get to the bottom of is the existence of the very Mulliner-esque aluminium swoopy strips that exist on the front doors and on top of the bonnet, running from the centre of the bonnet's leading edge, diagonally across the top panel, extending across the cowl and down the doors. These seem to be strange things to have on a military vehicle, the need for which must have been quite pressing and urgent at the time, unless maybe it was a demonstrator vehicle produced by Mulliners, on to which they added a few styling cues hinting at their earlier (grander) designs for Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars of the 1930s?? On removing them the paint below is just a yellow primer type stuff, the various blues and (in Poore's ownership) dark green being applied around the strips. If I look carefully there are signs of there having been 2 similar swoopy strips running down each side of the rear bodywork, starting narrow and splaying out and downwards as they pass over the rear wheels, very much in the style of civilian buses from the 1940s - maybe Mulliners once again applying a dash of style to what was really a utilitarian design (though surely costly to produce) requirement?? The strips along the rear sides have long since been removed, possibly by Poore, possibly so as not to get in the way of the sponsorship signwriting that has been applied. Only the mounting screw holes remain for where the trim once ran, that and signs of early corrosion that must have occurred as a result of a reaction between the alloy trim and steel panelling, marking out where the trim would once have run.
I've tried to establish what colour schemes the Dodge has had during its life. This isn't proving to be too easy. Although very faded now, the paintwork seen here in the photographs started out as a deep green colour, probably matching the green that Poore ran the Alfa in, confirmed by both of the 2 team mechanics who I was fortunate in being able to speak with about their times with Poore and his motor racing exploits.
Scraping through the layers of paint however does throw up some questions. For instance, below and to the outside of the aluminium strips already mentioned there are signs of a dark blue on top of a lighter blue paint colour, this runs from the outside of the bonnet top strips, down the sides, taking in the front wings and the front doors below the strips. However above the aluminium strips, and between them on top of the bonnet, running rear up and over the cab, there are signs of a dusty yellow directly beneath its current green topcoat, which seems to indicate that it may have run with a strange colour scheme at some point in its life. And as the colour scheme seems to directly follow the line of these aluminium flashing strips, the earlier life of this truck seems ever more confusing. Was it converted into a mobile classroom sometime during the war and then updated with these civilian style aluminium flashings? maybe it saw some service out in the desert (hence the sandy yellow paint to be found), then brought back and assigned to training duties, receiving at this point some sections of repainting in blue and maybe these strips at the same time, possibly applied by some RAF engineers just to improve the look of the vehicle, or differentiate it from those still in active airfield duty? I really don't know, I've yet to find any markings or military insignia beneath its current paintjob, but hopefully something will come to light.
One of the main things I've tried to achieve away from the vehicle itself is to locate photographs of the truck in action, probably in a paddock photograph taken back in the 1940s or 1950s, and in this respect I have had some success. One of my early finds was courtesy of the programme issued for the first Goodwood Revival meeting back in 1998, which shows an overhead view of the paddock at the inaugural Goodwood race meeting, at what used to be RAF Westhampnett. Along the righthandside is a line of parked racing car transporters, one of which is the Dodge, although only the back end can be seen, with the Alfa a couple of positions further along, being worked on by the mechanics (Sten 'Tammy' Aberg and Bill Lawes).
A slightly better picture can be found (as I found quite by chance!) in a book on the Brabham motor racing team, by Alan Henry, published sometime in the 1980s. Part way through this book is a picture of Bernie Ecclestone, back when he was starting out his interests in motor racing in a little 500cc racing car. In the background, and slightly out of focus, is the back end of the Dodge (this time emblazoned with its sponsor advertising) with the ramps extending rearwards, and the Alfa parked alongside, partially covered, perhaps due to it raining? Another period shot was found only recently at the 2002 Goodwood Festival of Speed, whilst I was wading through hundreds of old motor racing photographs on the offchance of finding a shot that included the Dodge. Amongst a binder of amateur photographs, I stumbled across a picture of a 1930s Mercedes sports car, and clearly parked behing it is the Dodge, showing 2/3rds of the truck and this time, including the front end. This was a great and fortuitous find, and is a valued addition to my growing history file. Finding pictures of Poore driving, whether in the Alfa or in the Connaught or Aston, is not too difficult, and I've been able to acquire quite a selection from leads found via the internet, and other organisations such as the Midland Automobile Club, who have been holding hillclimb meetings since the earliest time of UK motor racing.
Another great find, in a more recent publication, was pointed out to me in the form of an article published in Classic & Sportscar magazine back in 1988, shortly after Poore's death. This article discussed the quandry facing owners of historic racing cars, and the extents to which they should be restored for racing or left in their untouched and totally original condition. Much of the article was given over to the extrication of the timewarp Alfa Romeo and the Dodge, plus all the other team effects such as pit boards and spares, and there were some great pictures of both the car and the Dodge at slumber. A contact of mine also furnished me with a picture of the Dodge when it temporarily was put on display in the Donington Park motor racing museum. Another interesting find was also made over the Festival of Speed weekend, in the shape of an original auction catalogue for the '88 Monaco sale. Of course, if anyone has any further pictures showing the old Dodge in use, and they'd be willing to let me take a copy of it (or at least see it) then please do get in touch, it'd be much appreciated.
As I've already mentioned briefly, I was fortunate enough to be able to make contact with the 2 mechanics who worked for this amateur racing team 50+ years ago. Initially it was Tammy (real name Sten) Aberg who I found, or rather who found me, via a picture I sent of the old Dodge to Classic & Sportscar magazine a few years ago. I met up with Tammy a number of times, and spent many hours talking about motor racing back then, not just with Poore, but the whole scene of postwar motorsport in the UK. He was able to furnish me with further tales of interest with regard to the Dodge and the exploits that it experienced. And he put me in touch with Bill Lawes, who now lives in New Zealand but still keeps a close eye on motor sport and the new life that the Alfa now leads courtesy of its California-based owner. I was also fortunate enough to meet up with Bill and he was able to add to the stories that Tammy (who is sadly no longer with us) told me. It may be possible that there is a family link on my dads side of the family to the Poore family, going back to around 1900 but until I've done some more research on this side of things, I can't prove or disprove this apparent link, based on what I was told about the Poore side by Tammy, and a family tree discovered at my Great Uncles house when it was cleared a couple of years back.
Interest in older race car transporters is in the ascendancy at the moment, as they make for ideal carriages for any historic racing car and look more the part than any double
glazed brand new monolith. The Dodge must be pretty much the oldest surviving (original) race car transporter in the country, and amongst the oldest survivors to be found anywhere. There are some notable survivors, built later than the Dodge, that are now enjoying the spotlight at historic race meetings around the globe, the most famous of which is probably the supercharged 2 stroke Commer, as used by Ecurie Ecosse in the late 1950s to transport their D-Type Jaguars around to meetings.
The old BRM transporter is still around too, and looks just right, ie not too shiny and overly restored, a fate which befalls many old vehicles, leaving them to look a little artificial and new. I'm told the original Vanwall transporter is still around too, although I'm not sure what make of truck this is based upon.
Grabbing many headlines last year, not least at the 2001 Festival of Speed, was Mercedes' re-incarnated high speed transporter, designing specifically for moving their grand prix and sports racing cars around Europe as quickly as possible, itself having a development version of a racing engine installed. The original transporter was chopped up in the late 1960s, but such is the interest now in these historic haulers that Mercedes took the big step of commissioning a reconstruction of this stunning vehicle. A recent Festival of Speed also had on display a mouthwatering collection of Auto Union Grand Prix cars, with a couple of replica transporters recreated on behalf of Audi, to park alongside the historic racing cars to complete the scene.
There must be other original transporters around, maybe sat in fields or the back of scrapyards, as yet to be rescued for preservation - I'd be fascinated to see pictures or be given leads on any other such trucks that still survive. Recently whilst chatting with the guy who originally moved the Dodge for me, I discovered that he has found an old transporter at a yard somewhere in the northwest of England, apparently in quite good condition. He seems to think that its probably from the late 1960s, but he couldnt remember offhand which team, a sportscar team he thought, had used it. I also spotted a transporter for sale on ebay a few months back, probably ex-Formula 1 from the early 1970s, based on a Bedford chassis and still in use from what I could tell. To get that restored in its original livery (assuming it was decked out in team colours) would be a great sight!! If I'd had the room I may have gone for that one too, not that I need any more big projects just now!
To aid this project, and further my insight into the history of this truck, I'd welcome any input that anyone has regarding R.D. Poore Motor Racing, the Dodge, and any photos or information that people may have on other 3 ton Dodge VK trucks (or the '39 TK and '41 WK), as so far I've not uncovered a great deal of information on this particular model of truck (except for workshop manuals etc. which I've got a few of now).
~END~
A great story, and perhaps someone here can help this fellow out...
Spoke to Richard Jones at Race Retro last week-end & he is hoping to have the transporter & trailer ready for Race Retro 2009. I look forward to seeing it fully restored & looking ready for the Alfa!
Posted on behalf of Bjørn 
Don't know the copyright. From the book Cruel sport ! Ready to delete if requested.......
1962 Rouen. The van pulling the open trailer with Brabhams Lotus , is that a Thames 400 ??
Rob/Bjørn
Don't know the copyright. From the book Cruel sport ! Ready to delete if requested.......
1962 Rouen. The van pulling the open trailer with Brabhams Lotus , is that a Thames 400 ??
Rob/Bjørn
Rouen ?????????????
Not Rouen, there is a Belgian gendarme (State police) behind the car.
Why not Spa-Francorchamps or Brussels?
Willy
Why not Spa-Francorchamps or Brussels?
Willy
Thanks to Brockbank, Major Upsett has no problem about his transporter ...
Dont understand your 13?s Gigleux , do you ?
Originally posted by Bjørn Kjer
Dont understand your 13?s Gigleux , do you ?
Dont understand your 13?s Gigleux , do you ?
Of course I do.
You must be a happy man ! Congratulations !
Willy, why Brussel when Brabham was not even there !
Have a look at 937 .It was in Spa at summer end.
Thanks Tarpon,also post 943 , thats cleared then , but my question did in fact not go on "when" but on "what ?" !
are you sure, I had understod "where" not When or what?
Originally posted by Rob Ryder
[B]Posted on behalf of Bjørn
Don't know the copyright. From the book Cruel sport ! Ready to delete if requested.......
1962 Rouen. The van pulling the open trailer with Brabhams Lotus , is that a Thames 400 ??
Rob/Bjørn [/B]
[B]Posted on behalf of Bjørn
Don't know the copyright. From the book Cruel sport ! Ready to delete if requested.......
1962 Rouen. The van pulling the open trailer with Brabhams Lotus , is that a Thames 400 ??
Rob/Bjørn [/B]
This is post 1320 , is that a Thames 400 ??
776 NPG was registered in Surrey between Feb & July 1960.
I' m Italian , sorry for my bad english , reserch a photo of Truck transporter Aston Martin work's race car's in the '50 .
TnKS .
Best regards.
Bruno
TnKS .
Best regards.
Bruno
I remember the year aston won Le Mans ,they used two trucks .I was yet a kid ,my grand parents lived at la chartre sur le loir where John Wyer and his team were established during the week,at Hotel du cheval Blanc . The trucks were parked in front of the hotel ,the bigger looked like a double decker without windows as a big Luton..
Thank's ( GRAZIE )
I search the photo x scale 1/43 modelling
I hope in your archives
Bruno
I search the photo x scale 1/43 modelling
I hope in your archives
Bruno
Saw this article in the Jan issue of Sports & Exotics. Went for a little more than projected
... I just found on the great french forum-auto this foto:
The transporter on the right side reminds me of S-YZ 32 (see no. 1239 in this thread) - see the foot-step.
Another proof that S-YZ 32 went to BMW in the early 70ies, was used even in the US and later came back to Europe to Marko?
The transporter on the right side reminds me of S-YZ 32 (see no. 1239 in this thread) - see the foot-step.
Another proof that S-YZ 32 went to BMW in the early 70ies, was used even in the US and later came back to Europe to Marko?
heres a few more photos of my transporter - its nearly finished and should get some use this year!
photos on flicker - saves all the photo bucket hassle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guru_1071/228...57603973265452/
photos on flicker - saves all the photo bucket hassle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guru_1071/228...57603973265452/
Looks very neat!!! remind me, whats going in the back of it???
Rick
Rick
my historic race mini
thats why we painted the bus the italian job colour scheme
thats why we painted the bus the italian job colour scheme
ive just put a few more photos of it on my flicka thing, plus an album of the other coach i had to buy for spares.
please enjoy!
please enjoy!
The 1071 in the moniker gave that one away for a few of us!
Just looked at your new photo posts. Superb job, prep and paint by the acre. And the name Panorama is an understatement!
Just looked at your new photo posts. Superb job, prep and paint by the acre. And the name Panorama is an understatement!
Just a bit of transporter trivia.
I well remember when I was perhaps only seven or eight years old being taken to my uncles factory and being shown the mobile workshop being built for BRM.
This unit was a large dark green van which contained various equipment for the maintainance of the V16 car while in the field. I seem to recall it had a small lathe among a number of benches, vices and cupboards etc. Being for the V16 the van probably got a lot of use.
The year would have been about 1949 or 1950, when the BRM was hot news. My uncle's company was Wilsden Coachworks and was based in the main street in Solihull in Warwickshire. They later moved to an industrial estate outside the town and in the 1960's my uncle, Les Wilsden, had a heart attack and he and his brother Walter sold up. (To the Western biscuit company as I recall).
The company I remember had very close connections with Commer so logic would suggest that the mobile workshop was on one of their chassis. It could well be that Commer was one of the many firms 'touched up' by Mays and Co. for aid. Much of the trade help for BRM in those days came from a small area around that Birmingham/Coventry/West Midlands region.
I would dearly like to know what happened to the vehicle and if anybody has a picture of it. I once met an ex-mechanic who clearly recalled it and even told me where the Wilsden badge had been stuck on the side.
I well remember when I was perhaps only seven or eight years old being taken to my uncles factory and being shown the mobile workshop being built for BRM.
This unit was a large dark green van which contained various equipment for the maintainance of the V16 car while in the field. I seem to recall it had a small lathe among a number of benches, vices and cupboards etc. Being for the V16 the van probably got a lot of use.
The year would have been about 1949 or 1950, when the BRM was hot news. My uncle's company was Wilsden Coachworks and was based in the main street in Solihull in Warwickshire. They later moved to an industrial estate outside the town and in the 1960's my uncle, Les Wilsden, had a heart attack and he and his brother Walter sold up. (To the Western biscuit company as I recall).
The company I remember had very close connections with Commer so logic would suggest that the mobile workshop was on one of their chassis. It could well be that Commer was one of the many firms 'touched up' by Mays and Co. for aid. Much of the trade help for BRM in those days came from a small area around that Birmingham/Coventry/West Midlands region.
I would dearly like to know what happened to the vehicle and if anybody has a picture of it. I once met an ex-mechanic who clearly recalled it and even told me where the Wilsden badge had been stuck on the side.
to Rhegra
The BMW is a lot lower than the mercedes Porsche.It has probably been made by the same company like many other ones .We have pictures of Two Porche transporters together never three . As we can think,a Porsche was probably rebuilt after an accident (road,fire?) that Porsche company does not want to talk about .
John Wyer who was interviewed by Gerard Crombac in the 70 about the Porsche agreement in" Sport auto" said that they had two trucks ,a transporter and the small 608 ,nothing else.We have never seen at Le Mans (where the Porsche armada need maximum logistics) more than two transporters.
Why not to make a search besides the german road authorities ,ADAC,TUV,Grüne card service to discover what really happenned to the third chassis? Go Rhegra and good luck...
The BMW is a lot lower than the mercedes Porsche.It has probably been made by the same company like many other ones .We have pictures of Two Porche transporters together never three . As we can think,a Porsche was probably rebuilt after an accident (road,fire?) that Porsche company does not want to talk about .
John Wyer who was interviewed by Gerard Crombac in the 70 about the Porsche agreement in" Sport auto" said that they had two trucks ,a transporter and the small 608 ,nothing else.We have never seen at Le Mans (where the Porsche armada need maximum logistics) more than two transporters.
Why not to make a search besides the german road authorities ,ADAC,TUV,Grüne card service to discover what really happenned to the third chassis? Go Rhegra and good luck...
Re RJE and the BRM Mobile Workshop
In notes I have made on this vehicle I have the makers as 'Wilsdon', obviously I am wrong. Also I have the colour as black, not dark green!
In notes I have made on this vehicle I have the makers as 'Wilsdon', obviously I am wrong. Also I have the colour as black, not dark green!
RJE look in your mail.
Leigh Trevail
I must be going mad, you are totally right it was Wilsdon not Wilsden.
Seeing as for many years I spent long periods of my summer school holidays happily riveting up lorry bodies or acting as assistant to the assistant stores counter operative you would think I would know how to spell my employers name specially when you consider he was a relative.
With regard to the colour of the BRM van I am certain it was a very dark green.
Bjorn.
Thanks for that I will look the book out.
I must be going mad, you are totally right it was Wilsdon not Wilsden.
Seeing as for many years I spent long periods of my summer school holidays happily riveting up lorry bodies or acting as assistant to the assistant stores counter operative you would think I would know how to spell my employers name specially when you consider he was a relative.
With regard to the colour of the BRM van I am certain it was a very dark green.
Bjorn.
Thanks for that I will look the book out.
To RJE.....
Would you have a photograph of the works ??
Would you have a photograph of the works ??
I don't know if I have any pictures I would have to look through some of my family photographs.
If you study a Google map and satellite picture of Solihull the works were on the north side of New Road just past the sharp bend towards the town where a new building with a car park behind look to have been constructed. It was next door to what was, I beleive, the County Hotel and covered what is now the car park and a part of the left hand side of the new building. The main entrance was directly onto New Road opposite the church yard.
If you study a Google map and satellite picture of Solihull the works were on the north side of New Road just past the sharp bend towards the town where a new building with a car park behind look to have been constructed. It was next door to what was, I beleive, the County Hotel and covered what is now the car park and a part of the left hand side of the new building. The main entrance was directly onto New Road opposite the church yard.
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