Details
1940 H.R.G. 1500 "SQUARE-RIGGER"
Registration No. EPY 161
Chassis No. W142
Engine No. C 199 Q
Green with beige upholstery.
Engine: four cylinder, single overhead camshaft, 1,496cc, 61bhp at 4,800rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: drums all round; Suspension: front, quarter elliptic springs, rear half elliptic springs. Right hand drive.
H.R.G. was established in 1935 by E.A. Halford, Guy H. Robins & H.R. Godfrey, the car taking its name from the surname initial of the three men responsible for its production. The prototype H.R.G. made its debut later the same year to favourable reviews. The new H.R.G. 1½ two seater sportscar incorporated the well known 1½ litre Meadows 4ED engine installed into a deep section chassis with a tubular front axle set well forward of the radiator. The bodywork provided a thoroughbred vintage style, reminiscent of earlier Frazer-Nash designs.
The car's excellent roadholding and brisk performance provided the basis of an excellent competition car and many successes were obtained in rallying and off-road trials. Their rugged reliability provided success in long distance racing, notably 2nd place in class at the 1938 Le Mans 24-hour race with Peter Clark and Marcus Chambers who in 1939 won the class and finished 14th overall.
By 1937 it was becoming clear that the 4ED Meadows engine was nearing the end of its useful life and development began on the 1½ litre overhead camshaft Singer engine which subsequently replaced the 'Meadows' for all future cars. This 1500 example was sold as a chassis in January 1938 and the attractive pre-war body (with its correct "slab" petrol tank mounted on the rear) was almost certainly fitted by one of the H.R.G. mechanics; it was not uncommon for incomplete cars to be sold in this form to avoid the purchase tax. The first owner was a Mr Watkinson of Coulton, Yorkshire and it is believed that R.J. Thurgood used it in club races in the '50s. John Briscombe owned the car from 1962-67 and did quite a number of competitive events (a long letter and documents from Mr. Briscombe provide interesting and amusing recollections). The car was thought to have been rebuilt by a Mr. Ricketts in the late 1960s and passed through the hands of three more owners until coming into the current family ownership in 1974 in a fully restored state.
During the past 21 years the HRG has had very minimal use and has probably covered less than 5,000 miles during this period. It has not been used on the road for a number of years although ran very well indeed on a recent inspection, with good oil pressure. Its condition is commensurate with an older restoration, however is still highly presentable and well maintained throughout. This vehicle is being sold by the executors of an estate and accompanying the car is a large folder of historical and spares information. The HRG is well supported by an active association. Considered by many to be one of the best all round sportscars of the day, we recommend close inspection of this fine example. It comes with both old and new style log books.
Registration No. EPY 161
Chassis No. W142
Engine No. C 199 Q
Green with beige upholstery.
Engine: four cylinder, single overhead camshaft, 1,496cc, 61bhp at 4,800rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: drums all round; Suspension: front, quarter elliptic springs, rear half elliptic springs. Right hand drive.
H.R.G. was established in 1935 by E.A. Halford, Guy H. Robins & H.R. Godfrey, the car taking its name from the surname initial of the three men responsible for its production. The prototype H.R.G. made its debut later the same year to favourable reviews. The new H.R.G. 1½ two seater sportscar incorporated the well known 1½ litre Meadows 4ED engine installed into a deep section chassis with a tubular front axle set well forward of the radiator. The bodywork provided a thoroughbred vintage style, reminiscent of earlier Frazer-Nash designs.
The car's excellent roadholding and brisk performance provided the basis of an excellent competition car and many successes were obtained in rallying and off-road trials. Their rugged reliability provided success in long distance racing, notably 2nd place in class at the 1938 Le Mans 24-hour race with Peter Clark and Marcus Chambers who in 1939 won the class and finished 14th overall.
By 1937 it was becoming clear that the 4ED Meadows engine was nearing the end of its useful life and development began on the 1½ litre overhead camshaft Singer engine which subsequently replaced the 'Meadows' for all future cars. This 1500 example was sold as a chassis in January 1938 and the attractive pre-war body (with its correct "slab" petrol tank mounted on the rear) was almost certainly fitted by one of the H.R.G. mechanics; it was not uncommon for incomplete cars to be sold in this form to avoid the purchase tax. The first owner was a Mr Watkinson of Coulton, Yorkshire and it is believed that R.J. Thurgood used it in club races in the '50s. John Briscombe owned the car from 1962-67 and did quite a number of competitive events (a long letter and documents from Mr. Briscombe provide interesting and amusing recollections). The car was thought to have been rebuilt by a Mr. Ricketts in the late 1960s and passed through the hands of three more owners until coming into the current family ownership in 1974 in a fully restored state.
During the past 21 years the HRG has had very minimal use and has probably covered less than 5,000 miles during this period. It has not been used on the road for a number of years although ran very well indeed on a recent inspection, with good oil pressure. Its condition is commensurate with an older restoration, however is still highly presentable and well maintained throughout. This vehicle is being sold by the executors of an estate and accompanying the car is a large folder of historical and spares information. The HRG is well supported by an active association. Considered by many to be one of the best all round sportscars of the day, we recommend close inspection of this fine example. It comes with both old and new style log books.