This Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupe is as original as it was in 1953
In 1953, this very pretty Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé went from a motor show stand to compete in the French 24-hour race after which it is named. Pedalled by Ken Wharton and Laurence Mitchell, it averaged a speed of 88mph set a new 2.0-litre class record and was enough to give it a class win. Returning the following year, it claimed a fourth in class. In 1953, this very pretty Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé went from a motor show stand to compete in the French 24-hour race after which it is named.
Charles Joice owns the car now, and it has been in the family since 1979 when his father imported it from the States. Some light bodywork damage on arrival at the docks needed to be attended to, but since then the car has needed no cosmetic repairs. It’s therefore in wonderfully original condition, the interior in particular having a wonderful patina. The car was recognised for its originality when it came third overall and took the special award in the ‘Preserved for Posterity’ class at Salon Privé in 2014.
It’s therefore great to see such an original car in action here at the circuit. This is the third time it has raced at Revival, each time with James Wood at the wheel. While its originality means it will never be a front-runner, James enjoys driving it just as it was at Le Mans. “The Bristol engine isn’t as powerful as others and it rolls a lot through corners, but it’s a pleasure to drive.”
Revival
Revival 2016
Frazer Nash
2016
