Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupe
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Automobilhersteller : |
Frazer Nash |
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Modell: |
Le Mans Coupe |
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Jahr: |
1953-1955 |
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Art: |
Coupe |
Only 15 Frazer Nash Targa Florios made. The model was named in honour of Franco Cortese's famous victory in the 1951 running of the eponymous Sicilian long-distance classic driving a Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica, the only occasion a British manufacturer won the race. It is worth noting that the Le Mans Replica was so called following the 3rd place overall achieved at the eponymous French endurance classic in 1949 by a High Speed model.
Introduced in 1952, the Targa Florio replaced the Mille Miglia model and used the new parallel-tube chassis frame around which was wrapped a beautiful full-width alloy body. The chassis boasted rack-and-pinion steering, torsion bar rear suspension and twin-leading-shoe brakes, while the 1,971cc six-cylinder Bristol engine came in either Gran Sport (120bhp) or Turismo (100bhp) variants, either of which was good for 110mph-plus. One car fitted with Austin Atlantic engine. Last 5 cars were open versions of Le Mans Coupé. Production 1952-1954.
According to the Frazer Nash Archives, only nine (one prototype and eight production) Le Mans fixed-head coupés were built between April 1953 and October 1956. Introduced in 1953, complementing the company's successful open sports cars, the Le Mans Coupé was the first closed Frazer Nash to enter production. It used the new parallel-tube chassis frame, around which was wrapped a beautiful full-width alloy body that, with its curvaceous lines and horizontal front grille, hinted at the forthcoming Sebring roadster. The chassis boasted independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, torsion bar rear suspension and twin-leading-shoe brakes, while the engine was, of course, the 1,971cc six-cylinder Bristol. Of the nine cars completed, three would race at Le Mans, the most successful being chassis number '186', which finished 13th overall in 1953 (winning its class) and 11th overall in 1954.
