1927 Frazer Nash Vitesse
Chassis:
1120
Engine:
126
Registration:
PH 2042
Price:
£ POA
Duty:
UK
1927 Frazer Nash Vitesse with Brooklands History
This is an opportunity to aquire a richly documented 1927 Frazer Nash Vitesse, PH 2042, with Brooklands history and Lea-Francis twin-cam power. A period car, with genuine Frazer Nash appeal.
Supplied new by the Frazer Nash works in 1927 as a Vitesse model.
Originally fitted with a supercharged Anzani engine before period Lea-Francis twin-cam conversion.
Campaigned by R. L. Bellamy in trials and at Brooklands between 1930 and 1935.
Period photographs show PH 2042 in competition, including the Whitsun Trophy.
Reunited in 2023 with the Lea-Francis twin-cam engine fitted in 1939.
Recent work included axle, steering, brake, transmission and wiring preparation for regular use.
Brooklands Competition History
Few Frazer Nashes tell a story quite as completely as PH 2042. Supplied new by the Frazer Nash works in 1927 as a Vitesse fitted with a supercharged Anzani engine, this car has spent much of its life doing exactly what its makers intended: being driven hard, raced enthusiastically and continually developed by knowledgeable owners in pursuit of greater performance.
Its early history is particularly compelling. From 1930 until 1935, PH 2042 was owned by R. L. Bellamy, who campaigned the car extensively in trials and at Brooklands. Period photographs within the history file show the car competing in the Whitsun Trophy and other events, including PH 2042 overtaking Tom Delaney’s famous Hyper Lea-Francis. These are not simply stories passed through ownership, but documented chapters in the life of a well-known Frazer Nash.
By 1935, the car had moved to a new custodian and, as was entirely typical among competitive owners of the period, further performance was sought. In 1939, the original engine was replaced with a 1,500cc Lea-Francis twin-cam unit, a thoroughly period modification in keeping with the car’s active pre-war character.
Lea-Francis Twin-Cam Power and Period Frazer Nash Development
The post-war history of this 1927 Frazer Nash Vitesse is equally significant. In 1951, PH 2042 underwent a major rebuild and was re-registered as MOR 996 by Philip E. Neale. During this work, the body was lowered to create the purposeful stance it retains today, accounting for its noticeably different appearance compared with earlier photographs.
In 1958, ownership passed to Arthur Gibson, then transferred in 1961 to Terry Burke, who fitted a Meadows 4ED engine. The car appeared in the programme for the Seaman Trophy meeting at Oulton Park that year, a copy of which remains within the history file.
In 2004, noted Frazer Nash enthusiast Duncan McGregor successfully recovered the original registration number, PH 2042, returning an important piece of the car’s identity. Then, in 2022, the original 1939 Lea-Francis twin-cam engine was discovered residing in a pre-war HRG. The following year it was reunited with PH 2042, replacing the Meadows 4ED unit that had powered the car for many years.
Mechanically Prepared Frazer Nash for VSCC, Hill Climbs and Road Use
For our client, returning PH 2042 to the specification it carried from 1939 represented an opportunity too good to miss. Rather than recreating something the car had ceased to be decades earlier, the decision was made to preserve an important chapter of its authentic pre-war story.
The brief was straightforward: make the car mechanically exceptional and ready to be enjoyed without compromise. To achieve this, PH 2042 was entrusted to Dr Jonathan Rose, who undertook a comprehensive programme of work. The front axle, steering, brakes and transmission were thoroughly inspected and rebuilt as required, while a new rear axle incorporating split sprockets was fitted alongside new bearings throughout.
The engine, clutch and associated mechanical systems were carefully inspected and prepared for regular use. Further attention was given by Winston Teague, who completely rewired the car using period-correct materials and methods, supporting reliability whilst preserving authenticity.
Enquire Today
Accompanied by copies of factory records, period photographs, event documentation and invoices detailing the recent mechanical work, PH 2042 offers a rare opportunity to acquire a well-known Frazer Nash with a richly documented history and character all of its own.
The appeal here is not simply rarity, but continuity of use and intelligent development. From its original Vitesse specification and Brooklands period, through its 1939 Lea-Francis twin-cam conversion and later competition life, PH 2042 carries the layered history that makes the best Frazer Nash cars so rewarding to understand and enjoy.
To discuss this 1927 Frazer Nash Vitesse, its history, specification and suitability for your collection or competition plans, please contact Tom Hardman.
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