1936 Frazer Nash TT Replica Roadster

1936 Frazer Nash TT Replica Roadster
Registration no. DMY 760
Chassis no. 2165
Engine no. 56338
• Charismatic marque
• BMW 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine
• Purchased by the late owner in 1965
• Restored in the 2000s
• Stored since completion circa 2015
• Beautiful condition

The Frazer Nash was the direct descendant of the GN cycle car, a twin-cylinder, chain driven vehicle produced until 1922 by the partnership of Captain Archie Frazer-Nash and H R Godfrey. Archie Frazer-Nash then formed a new company and in 1924 the first Frazer Nash appeared. In 1928 Captain Frazer-Nash left the company, which then came under the control of H J and W H Aldington. Between 1924 and 1954, when production effectively ceased, approximately 450 Frazer Nash cars were produced, of which 350 were pre-war 'chain gang' models. Of these, 85 had the most popular TT Replica style of bodywork, which was offered between March 1932 and 1939. The TT Replica was based on the cars that contested the 1931 Tourist Trophy Race, though none of the three cars entered actually finished the event. In 1932 the cars fared better, one finishing 2nd in class.

A number of different engines were used by the factory, and the TT Replica could be supplied with the 1½-litre, four-cylinder, overhead-valve Meadows engine; the 1,660cc six-cylinder, twin-overhead-camshaft Blackburne engine; or the 1½-litre, four-cylinder, single-overhead-camshaft Gough engine. This Replica was supplied with a Gough engine. (The factory undertook the manufacture of individual cars to order and various combinations of engine and chassis were produced).

Although the chain drive is highly unusual (for a motor car of the period), a chain is more efficient than almost any other form of transmission and the Frazer Nash system was one of the best. References at the time to 'smoking or red-hot chains lying on the road' after the rare breakage were mistaken. The reason they were handled with care was because they were dirty, and many chains lasted over 40,000 miles. With their unique form of drive, Frazer Nash cars oversteered dramatically under power and it was said at the time that 'Frazer Nashes never go round corners, they merely change direction.'

While the TT Replica was sold as an all-round performer, it did not achieve significant success in major circuit races. The model's record in the International Alpine Trials of 1932, 1933 and 1934 is, however, outstanding and equalled by few makes, no doubt due in part to its ability to negotiate the tight Alpine passes under full power. In the 1932 event two cars were entered and lost no marks, while in 1933 a TT Replica was the only car entered not to lose marks. In 1934 four of the team of six cars were un-penalised.

Completed on 22nd June 1936, 'DMY 760' is listed in The Frazer Nash 1923-1957 by Thirlby & Bancroft: "Fitted with twin scuttle tanks with bonnet top quick release filler caps. Shelsley front axle. Sloping radiator." In 1939 this car's original Gough engine was exchanged by the factory for a BMW Type 55 engine (one of only a few) for C R Y King. When fitted with a different cylinder head, this engine formed the basis of that found in the FN-BMW 328s. The late owner, Colin Maughan, bought the car from FN stalwart and FN 'Gazette' editor John Teague in 1965 after trying to locate a good TT Replica the previous year (there are numerous letters on file asking then owners if their cars are for sale). The sales receipt is on file.

Before John Teague, the Frazer Nash had been owned by Brian Temple Owens of Bristol and before him by Dennis Maunsell, another Bristolian (see old-style buff logbook on file). The original owner was one Edwin Redwood of Cheshire. On file is the press cutting (undated but believed wartime) of a letter from another previous owner, Flt Lt Tubbie Hodges, RAF, who stated that he bought the car 'from the Nash works about a year ago' and that the BMW engine had been fitted in 1939 'and scarcely run since'.

There are letters of file concerning restoration and parts dating from the mid-1960s onwards during Colin's ownership, while the Frazer Nash Archives contain Colin's considerable correspondence with renowned motoring journalist Denis Jenkinson, author of From Chain Drive to Turbocharger: The A.F.N. Story. This correspondence reveals that the first BMW engine was '54291' and that Colin had replaced it with '56338', supplied by Tony Mitchell straight from a BMW 319.

Restored some time ago, the car underwent a more thorough restoration in the 2000s and was only completed circa 2015. It has been laid up for the past five-plus years due to Colin's ill health and eventual death. There are several files that accompany the car. Presented in beautiful condition, 'DMY 760' represents an opportunity to own an example of this increasingly well regarded marque, which is served by one of the most active and enthusiastic of all one-make clubs.