1957/59 COOPER-CLIMAX T43/T51 Chassis No. F2/14/57 Engine No.FPF430/3/1013 British Racing Green with white racing stripe. Engine: Coventry-Climax FPF, four cylinder, 86.4mm 83.80mm, 1960cc, two twin-choke DU6 SU's; Gearbox: ERSA four speed; Brakes: front and rear hydraulic drum; Suspension: front wishbones, telescopic dampers, coil springs. Rear transverse leaf spring, telescopic dampers. The Cooper Car Company Limited enjoyed immense success in international motor racing throughout the 1950's; the little company from Surbiton held its own against more formidable opposition with a succession of models and improved designs that, between 1951 and 1954, won over 80 of the major races entered. Engine choice was down to customer preference or availability, and Cooper chassis were fitted with JAP V-twins, MG's, Bristols, Alta, Jaguar and in 1954 the overhead valve Coventry-Climax unit. With this engine, located in the rear of the chassis, and with a cut-off tail, Cooper's achieved Class victories at Sebring and Goodwood. This excellent example, F2/14/57, has a fascinating history in that it was first owned and raced by Bill Whitehouse, the South London amateur driver, who had a succession of Coopers. He entered the car in the 1957 1500cc International Formula 2 Series, the first race being at Brands Hatch, after which it went to the June Crystal Palace meeting. In July it was out at Mallory Park where it finished 3rd in both heats before going out to Rheims where son Brian Whitehouse was to be the driver. Tragically his father, Bill, crashed fatally in his older 1956 car and thus the family sold "57" to the New Zealand motor-cycle Speedway rider Ronnie Moore. It changed hands in New Zealand, going to Lionel Bulcraig, who used it in a variety of events before upgrading the chassis with a 1959 unit, bought new from the factory. Various other ownership changes ensued, until the current owner purchased it in 1991. He embarked on a substantial restoration; the engine (an early example, being number 1013) entrusted to well known Coventry-Climax specialist Tony Mantle. He recalls undertaking a far reaching overhaul and conversion of the engine in late 1991/92, fitting stronger main-bearing caps, new pistons, Carillo rods, two-litre crankshaft - in all uprating the output to two-litre specification and thereby providing a much stronger torque range. The final-drive ratio is 7.3:1 and the Cooper has 10 x 1¾ inch hydraulic drum brakes. The wheels are 15in. magnesium alloys fitted with Dunlop Racing tyres. The aluminium, single seat body was fitted with a "high" tail in 1962 and it still carries this style bodywork. The car has been meticulously prepared and maintained and has more recently been on exhibition in the Stavelot Museum at Spa. It has full FIA papers, so would be just in time for the new Historic season this year.
1957/59 COOPER-CLIMAX T43/T51 Chassis No. F2/14/57 Engine No.FPF430/3/1013 British Racing Green with white racing stripe. Engine: Coventry-Climax FPF, four cylinder, 86.4mm 83.80mm, 1960cc, two twin-choke DU6 SU's; Gearbox: ERSA four speed; Brakes: front and rear hydraulic drum; Suspension: front wishbones, telescopic dampers, coil springs. Rear transverse leaf spring, telescopic dampers. The Cooper Car Company Limited enjoyed immense success in international motor racing throughout the 1950's; the little company from Surbiton held its own against more formidable opposition with a succession of models and improved designs that, between 1951 and 1954, won over 80 of the major races entered. Engine choice was down to customer preference or availability, and Cooper chassis were fitted with JAP V-twins, MG's, Bristols, Alta, Jaguar and in 1954 the overhead valve Coventry-Climax unit. With this engine, located in the rear of the chassis, and with a cut-off tail, Cooper's achieved Class victories at Sebring and Goodwood. This excellent example, F2/14/57, has a fascinating history in that it was first owned and raced by Bill Whitehouse, the South London amateur driver, who had a succession of Coopers. He entered the car in the 1957 1500cc International Formula 2 Series, the first race being at Brands Hatch, after which it went to the June Crystal Palace meeting. In July it was out at Mallory Park where it finished 3rd in both heats before going out to Rheims where son Brian Whitehouse was to be the driver. Tragically his father, Bill, crashed fatally in his older 1956 car and thus the family sold "57" to the New Zealand motor-cycle Speedway rider Ronnie Moore. It changed hands in New Zealand, going to Lionel Bulcraig, who used it in a variety of events before upgrading the chassis with a 1959 unit, bought new from the factory. Various other ownership changes ensued, until the current owner purchased it in 1991. He embarked on a substantial restoration; the engine (an early example, being number 1013) entrusted to well known Coventry-Climax specialist Tony Mantle. He recalls undertaking a far reaching overhaul and conversion of the engine in late 1991/92, fitting stronger main-bearing caps, new pistons, Carillo rods, two-litre crankshaft - in all uprating the output to two-litre specification and thereby providing a much stronger torque range. The final-drive ratio is 7.3:1 and the Cooper has 10 x 1¾ inch hydraulic drum brakes. The wheels are 15in. magnesium alloys fitted with Dunlop Racing tyres. The aluminium, single seat body was fitted with a "high" tail in 1962 and it still carries this style bodywork. The car has been meticulously prepared and maintained and has more recently been on exhibition in the Stavelot Museum at Spa. It has full FIA papers, so would be just in time for the new Historic season this year.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
