Description
The Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica is widely regarded as the archetypal Post War English Sports car: its lightweight construction, excellent power to weight ratio and its agile handling characteristics making one of the most driver friendly and usable competition sports car of all time. In period drivers of the calibre of Moss, Salvadori, Crook and Gerard all had amazing results time and time again at the wheel of Le Mans Reps. The cars competed in all the great races such as Le Mans, Mille Miglia, Targa Florio (where Cortese won the Class) and of course at Goodwood. They were clearly very effective but also hugely expensive and cost more than a contemporary Bentley. Only 29 were built and today they sit in the most elite collections and raced by some of the sport’s most experienced participants. It is rare for these cars to come on the open market and this is a significant example.
Chassis 193 is the last Le Mans Replica produced and was built to a unique specification. The engine was set 5 inches further back in the frame than previous models. This gave the car great balance with 49. 4% of its weight on the front wheels and 50. 6% on the rear. The car was fitted with De Dion rear suspension and a wider cockpit than the standard Mk II. It had superior cooling with the Mille Miglia radiator and the larger Austin Healey wheel hubs. This was the last of the line and the ultimate development of its type.
It was originally delivered to the USA and has had only four owners from new. Its ownership history is as follows:
William O’Brian (Connecticut USA) January 1954
Robert Richer (New York USA) February 1957 (36 years)
Dr. Julio Palmaz (Texas USA) September 1993 (11 years)
James Trigell (Guildford UK) December 2004 (19 years)
Current Owner (UK) April 2023
Rob Richer who had the car for the majority of its early life competed with it in races and hill climbs with the car and there numerous photos of his exploits in the documentation. The car was also featured in US magazines, “Car and Driver” and “Vintage Racecar”. It was even used on the front cover of a jazz LP.
The car is offered for sale in exemplary condition in its original colour scheme, with matching number integrity and a service history that reflects the cherished nature of the car. The engine was rebuilt in 2011 by Stanton Motorsports. When 193 returned to the UK it was showing only 24, 000 miles and today is only showing less than 42, 000 from new.
The car is a delight to drive, having been set up for fast road and rally use. Full competition set up is never nice on the road being too firmly sprung and damped. 193 is compliant and poised with light precise steering, re-assuring brakes and an engine that just wants to rev. Its paintwork is lustrous and the original leather has been well preserved. Original features like its oil cooler and “One shot” lubrication system and intact and operating correctly.
In addition 193 boasts a most complete and documented history that certifies its provenance. This should come a no surprise as the fourth owner, who had the car nearly 20 years, is a key figure to the marque, having written highly regarded book on the cars, "The Post War Frazer Nash". The current owner has maintained the car meticulously and had a new set of wheels built and fitted with new tyres.
Chassis 193 is offered in exceptional restored condition. A new owner might consider entering it into one of the prestigious concours events but should also be aware that a Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica is the most eligible of historic competition cars and can compete in the Mille Miglia, Monaco, Le Mans, Goodwood, Tour Auto, Woodcote Trophy, Gentleman Drivers, VSCC and any number of other events.
