Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1978 ERRA SD Mondial 500
No Reserve
Registration No: VUW 470S
Chassis No: 058020SD
MOT: August 2025
In current ownership since 1993
The second car of only twelve examples built
Part of the first batch of three prototypes
Sold with a fresh MOT certificate
Inspired by Italian sports racers of the type which distinguished themselves on the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and at the Le Mans 24-hours etc, enthusiast Dr Stanley George Daniels decided to build his own tribute in the late 1980s. The level of craftsmanship which went into the resultant ‘SD 500’ was of an exceptionally high standard, and the fanatical attention to every design detail is deeply impressive. Based around a tubular steel spaceframe chassis equipped with independent front suspension, a De Dion rear axle with Watts linkage and disc brakes, the two-seater was powered by a 2-litre DOHC Alfa Romeo engine allied to a five-speed transaxle. Bodied in fibreglass but with aluminium detailing to fool the casual observer, the ‘SD 500’ was a singularly pretty car. Great fun to drive with a decent power to weight ratio, just twelve are thought to have been built with the later cars branded as ERRAs (Elmsett Road Racing Automobiles). In several publications on the ERRA 500 Mondial, which are included in the History File, the journalists were unanimous in their praise of the design, build quality and performance of the car.
Registered with the DVLA as a 1978 ERRA SD 500, chassis 058020 has been in the current ownership since 1993. One of the first three prototype cars and looking every inch the 1950s sports racer, the two-seater is described by Andrew Haywood Smith (who was involved in the original development and production of the cars and has looked after this car for the late owner and his estate for many years) as being in overall ‘good’ condition and has recently been subject to a fresh MOT test. A highly convincing, well-made and nicely detailed evocation that is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with a V5C Registration Document and History File recording some previous maintenance and sundry magazine article reprints.
