Description
The first of only five Targa Florio MKII’s
Sold new to East Pakistan, where it was regularly used up to the time of the partition.
Extensive history file, FIVA passport only 6 owners.
THIS CAR, CHASSIS NO. 187 IS THE 9TH TARGA FLORIO BUILT AND THE FIRST OF THE BATCH OF 5 MK2’S.
A total of 14 Targa Florio’s were built by AFN Limited between 1952 and 1954. The last five produced were known as MK2’s. The new body shape was effectively an open top version of the Le Mans Coupe.
Sold new to a Mr. Patell of Pakistan in October 1953. Mr Patell later changed his name to his mother’s side of the family - G. H. Abasy –following partition. Ordered and built to his personal specification in 1953, he took the car out to East Pakistan, (now Bangladesh) in 1954, once signed off by the factory. Chassis # 187 was regularly used up to the time of the partition. There even remains a blessing painted in Arabic script on the inside the doors to this day.
Mr. Abasy (Patell) then bought # 187 back to the UK in 1973, stating he was very lucky to get it out in time, and that it was probably the only Frazer Nash to be fought over! The original and rare BS4 engine was stolen while being overhauled in Bangladesh. This is documented in a letter sent to a then Mr. Patel, on the 16th of September 1971, from H. J. Aldington, the then boss of AFN, where he sent his condolences for the loss of the engine and that they did have a re-built engine he could purchase should he wished. A Bristol 100B was fitted upon return of # 187 to the UK in 1973.
Following repatriation, #187 was advertised by Rod Leach (Nostalgia) at 25, 000 recorded miles selling on the 19th of August 1975 to Sir Richard Gaskell of The Old Rectory, Iron Acton, Bristol. The extensive history file, containing numerous correspondences, invoices and hill climb entries from 1975 onwards. There are correspondences from Mr. Abasy dated 1974 and there are even Sir Richards Gaskell’s 1975 HSCC membership card, Bentley Drivers Club membership card and his 1978 Competition licence.
Sir Richard’s ownership the car was maintained by TT Workshops. He kept the car until the 25th of July 1979 when it was briefly bought by Mr. B Watson before then passing to M. V. Taylor within a year. Mr Taylor sold # 187 in 1986.
This new 1986 owner was Chris Wilson, a historic racing driver. Chris, raced, toured and rallied the 187 all over Europe with his wife, including taking the car to Sicily for the Targa Florio retrospective in 1999. In preparation for the 1999 trip, #187 was bare metal resprayed to original colour in May 1998. Then in 2003 South Cerny Engineering Limited perform an engine rebuild; re-boring the 1973 100B to +20, crack testing the crank and rods before rebuilding and fitting Roddy Mac Phearson cam-shaft along with 8 ½ inch AP racing clutch. Chris sold # 187 to the present owner and vendor in 2016.
Recent works undertaken
Upon arrival in Germany with the vendor, numerous items have been attended to. Years of road dirt was firstly removed using non-damaging ice blasting. A new boot floor with extra deep wheel well to take the Dunlop racing tyres. The brakes were fully overhauled, and a new radiator, a Sebring-style windscreen, was made and fitted along with other jobs like rebuilding the wheels and routine servicing.
In closing #187 has had a unique life and I’m sure has many stories to tell, remarkably well presented and is turn-key ready for 2024 season. The sale includes a full windscreen and hood, soft tonneau cover, along with metal passenger cover for racing or fast road enjoyment.
Priced to sell, EU taxes paid, if remaining in the UK 5% VAT is due on the final invoice price, there will be no fees for aiding registration with the DVLA for a UK buyer.
