Bowden - Special "NO RESERVE" - 1960

Bowden Engineering Co. in Devon (England) was a very active company in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They produced accessories for racing and sport driving and the most expensive product was an innovative tubular chassis, for greater rigidity and suspension with a better setup. The “Bowden” chassis was produced between 1959 and 1960 in few units and was the basis of many English “Sports” cars, mainly with Ford mechanics. This BOWDEN Special was found a few years ago without engine at a collector of English sports cars, the photos of the find are included. The body could be of more recent period, the rear part recalls the Lotus Eleven while the front part recalls the 1961 Ginetta G4. The sports history is unknown. It has recently been restored by the previous owner and has participated in some re-enactments. A 120E Cortina GT engine with 1498 cc displacement has been installed. The passenger seat has been rebuilt in aluminium, as well as the driver’s seat, and covered with new imitation leather. The car starts and drives, however it needs fine-tuning. The compression test gave excellent results. The restoration included a complete repainting of the chassis, body, a new electrical system, a new dual-circuit brake system, low pedals and full illumination, including all dashboard instrumentation. A new aluminium radiator and overhauled suspension, a new tonneau cover. There is a rare Alexander manifold for SU carburettors. The central body is made of aluminium, the front and rear bonnets are of resin. They can be completely removed. There are no registration documents, however, cars with Bowden chassis (like the Hamblin Supertwo) were registered for road use. Dunlop Racing tyres, a removable roll-bar is also included. A video of the engine, the car and of road driving is available, please contact Catawiki. Bidders are welcome to view and test the vehicle. It is located in Quarrata 51039, PT, Italy. Please contact Catawiki for an appointment. We will take care of the transfer of ownership remotely or of the export documents; low-cost shipping throughout Italy, Europe and the rest of the world.