1950 Cooper Mark V Formula 3 Monoposto
Chassis no. 5/55/50

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|18 September 2021, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1950 Cooper Mark V Formula 3 Monoposto
Chassis no. 5/55/50

*The first Cooper Mark V built
*JAP engine and Norton gearbox
*Goodwood Revival competitor in 2019
*Recent professional engine rebuild

Footnotes

Powered by JAP and Manx Norton motorcycle engines, Cooper's innovative mid-engined racing cars dominated the 500cc Formula 3 scene in the 1950s, providing many future stars, most notably Stirling Moss, with their first taste of 'real' motor racing. Charles and John Cooper's first post-war racing car utilised the chassis of a crashed FIAT Topolino. FIAT transverse-leaf independent front suspension was used at both ends and the single-cylinder 500cc JAP motorcycle engine was positioned behind the driver, this being the easiest way to accommodate the motorcycle transmission's chain final drive. The Coopers' friend Eric Brandon drove a Mark I to victory in the first-ever 500cc race in 1947 and before long the Cooper had established itself as the car to beat. The resulting flood of orders meant that relying on a supply of crashed Topolinos was out of the question, and the Coopers set about designing a car that could be built from scratch, powered in its initial form by the ubiquitous 'Speedway' JAP engine.

Its chassis number '5/55/50' denotes that this is the 55th Cooper, a Mark V, built in 1950. The very first Mark V, it is powered by a 500cc Alfin-barrelled JAP engine coupled to a Norton 'Dolls Head' gearbox. The car's early history is unknown, though it is believed that at some time it formed to part of the Mayes Collection in Manitoba, Canada. Subsequently the car was purchased by Marcus Black and repatriated from USA. It was then shared between Marcus and Alex Duce, and campaigned by them at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb. Tom Waterfield then drive the Cooper at the Goodwood Revival meeting in 2019.

The engine has since been rebuilt by Jan Nycz and reinstalled in the car by Marcus Black. The car then went back to Tom Waterfield, who fitted race fuel tanks and all new fuel lines; overhauled the brakes; changed the gearing; fabricated an engine under-tray to carry a 'nappy'; and carried out a full preparation for racing. The Cooper was then despatched to Dave Andrews for fine-tuning, which involved drilling out the carburettor main jets and modifying the needle jets in the float bowls. Additionally, the right rear upper wishbone was re-bushed and the gearbox chain tensioner sorted out. In 2020 the current owner purchased the car, it is currently with well-known Cooper 500 expert Simon Frost, where the car is being prepared to be ready to race.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £10,001 up to and including £450,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £450,001 up to and including £4,500,000; and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
Automobilia
All purchased lots must be collected from the sale venue by 1pm on the day after the sale. All un- collected purchased lots shall then be removed to Bonhams Guildford office at the buyers expense.
Bonhams Guildford office located at: 4 Millmead Guildford, GU2 4BE
Uncollected lots will be available for collection by appointment only from Wednesday 22 September.
To arrange an appointment for collection please contact the Automobilia Department on 01483 445495 or [email protected]
All lots will be charged £10+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "diamond" symbol will be charged £25+VAT uplift and storage at £5+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "two diamond" symbol will be charged £50+VAT uplift and storage at £10+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "three diamond" symbol will be removed by E M Rogers to their Northampton store at the buyers expense. Each lot will be charged £100+VAT uplift and £5+VAT per lot per day storage.
Storage will commence from Tuesday 21 September. NB: E M Rogers provide storage but cannot ship Automobilia lots.
Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
Motor Cars
Removal and Storage of Vehicles
Vehicles must be collected from the sale venue by 12 noon on Monday 20 September 2021, at which point all remaining unpaid lots will be uplifted by E.M.Rogers to their store at the buyers expense. If the buyer is South of London their car will be uplifted to a store near Fleet. If the buyer is North of London or overseas the car will be uplifted to a store in Northampton (please see Guide for Buyers).
Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.
Otherwise Lots shall be removed to storage at the Buyer's expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer.
It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of Sale.
Vehicle Removal charges
£260 + VAT per vehicle
Vehicle Storage charges
First 14 days
£14 + VAT per motor car per day
Thereafter
£30 + VAT per motor car per week
Transport and Shipping
A representative from E.M.Rogers will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
E.M.Rogers
+44 (0) 1604 593 440 [email protected] www.emrogerstransport.com
- Automobilia
- Cars