1953 Martin 500cc Historic Formula 3 Racing Car

Bonhams MPH September Auction - Live Auction with Bidding in the Socially Distanced Room, Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding|20 September 2020, 13:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1953 Martin 500cc Historic Formula 3 Racing Car

Odometer Reading: N/A
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Very good bodywork
*Photo album records car's disassembly
*Has early 1990s scrutineering tickets

The Martin was built between 1953/54 and 1956, company founder Ray Martin having previously worked for Alvis and De Haviland as well as Kieft. His cars used swing-axle rear suspension and mainly fitted with Norton engines, and one car, driven by C.D.Headland, notched up some victories. MPH's 1953 model has very good/excellent alloy bodywork: it and the chassis were checked, re-shaped and re-fitted by one Reg Hargreaves, who found the car in Scotland. The engine, a short-stroke Triumph unit, breathes through Amal carburetors and drives through a four-speed Norton transmission. Keeping everything rolling, our vendor says hubs were built by Terry Windle and the wheels spoked and built by Special Automobile Services. While there is scant early history it is known the first owner was a Mr Watson, after which the trail goes cold until it was found by Reg Hargreaves.

To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 80/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20/25
Body Work: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Glass: 4
Paint: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 20/20
Mechanical components: 5
Running: 5
Starting: 5
Under Bonnet: 5

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16/20
Axles: 4
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Suspension: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 10/10
Ancillary components: 5
Main components: 5

Car History File: 2

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here Please click the link to view the engine running: click here

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