The Club once again exhibited at the Classic Motor show over the 12th - 14th November '21. As long ago as 1979, the Club has been exhibiting at these Shows, but over the last few years, participation has been on a bi-annual basis. This decision was taken to ensure the we could present an interesting high-quality display of cars and not mostly the same cars every year as the 'pool' of cars available in the UK has dwindled since most of the best cars found their way to Japan during the 80's.
Video curtesy of 'Lloyd Vehicle Consulting'
This year we had three very interesting cars.
Mark Glaisher brought his LHD version Chassis #27 in yellow fitted with a 1275cc Cooper 'S' engine. This car had been the subject of a restoration after being brought back from the USA, and whilst its had been fitted with some non-factory parts (due to limited availability now), the car looked really great on the stand and illustrated the lovely styling lines that distinguish these cars.
Second was Chassis #2, the very first Competition GT version ordered even before the Racing Car Show opened in 1966 at its launch. This car has a number of totally unique features that distinguish it from all other Competition GT's, with its engine bulkhead moved forwards to accommodate a special Gordon Allen designed cross-flow engine intended to be installed by its then owner, Mr A.E. Newman. Other features are the many modifications carried out by the ‘Works’ when it was raced in the Nürburgring 500kms and the Barcelona 12hrs in late 1969. Still fitted with the 1293cc Cooper ‘S’ engine from that period, the engine produces 122hp in a chassis weighing 570kgs.
Thirdly and of special interest, was the bare body/chassis unit belonging to Guy Monty, completed the day before the Show as part of a truly ground-up restoration following its purchase 2-years previous, after which a number of issues were found with the car despite a recent restoration. The body has been totally replaced with new panels created from the original factory moulds by Gerry Hulford with the exception currently, of the doors and bonnet. The chassis had been bead-blasted and many corroded chassis tubes replaced, creating a sound basis upon which to bond the new body. All the rest of the original parts of the car have been the subject of a comprehensive rebuild and are awaiting the return of the body/chassis on which to be reunited soon. The ease of which the body/chassis could be inspected, drew huge interest over the three days and was a superb back-drop to the Club’s stand.
The new book by Gerry Hulford on the history of the Unipower GT marque was launched at the Show and many visitors took advantage of its being available to take away.
There were a steady number of current and previous owners to the stand but we were honoured to have Gerry Wheeler visit us along with his son Simon. Gerry worked on the assembly of the cars but with special responsibility for the superbly professional trimming of the car’s interior. His previous experience at the famous coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly being reflected in the original cars’ superb interior that stood it apart from other marques of the time.
The Stand also attracted a steady stream of general visitors, all of whom were very complementary about the cars on display, many of whom had never seen a Unipower GT before. We even had a few companies expressing interest in making ‘continuations’, probably prompted by the body/chassis unit and the general interest in the cars.
The following is a small montage of photos from the Show and we look forward to exhibiting again in future years.
Video curtsy of 'Hub Nut'
Being on the stand I can vouch for the high level of interest in the cars. Much from classic mini enthusiasts who weren't aware of its existence and all the was good about it.