1953 Staride Mk3 Special
- Engine
- 500cc
The Staride Mk3 is a rare early-1950s British single-seater racing car, one of approximately ten built by Mike Erskine to a design by Dean Delamont and Cecil Mitchell. Technically advanced for its era, it features a spaceframe chassis with rising-rate suspension geometry, front wishbones, and a single rear shock absorber. Powered by a JAP 4B engine running on alcohol, the car has a documented ownership history spanning three decades and has been twice restored, most recently to correct period specification.
Ownership
- 2025-08-22Auction saleSold £14,000 (≈ $18K)
- 2010 →Acquisition unknownSandy Skinnerfull documentation
A well-known historic motorsport campaigner, Skinner undertook a thorough restoration to period specification and documented the work across five binders.
- 2024 →Acquisition unknownDetail-oriented private collectorpartial documentation
Acquired the car at the start of the year and used it once at Wiscombe Park Hillclimb before deciding to sell.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryJohn Habinpartial documentation
The first car was constructed specifically for Habin, who debuted it at Goodwood in April 1953.
- Date unknownDick Parrotpartial documentation
Parrot restored the car and used it in competition during the 1990s; his ownership is the earliest period covered by the surviving history file.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRobin Baxterpartial documentation
A retired motorsport engineer and familiar figure in club motorsport circles, Baxter campaigned and maintained the car after Skinner.
Competition
- 1953-04-01GoodwoodDriver: John Habin
This was the car's competition debut, driven by its first owner Habin.
- 2024Wiscombe Park Hillclimb
The car ran without mechanical issues in what was its sole outing under its most recent owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
The car was restored and returned to running condition by Dick Parrot during the 1990s, after which he drove it in competition.
This episode falls within the earliest period of the documented history file.
- —Restoration
Sandy Skinner carried out a comprehensive second restoration aimed at returning the car to correct period specification, including fabrication of a new body by Duncan Ricketts. The AMC/Norton gearbox was worked on by Cameron Engineering and a custom steering rack was supplied by Jack Knight Engineering.
The scope and quality of this restoration is documented across a five-binder history file; the car's current condition reflects Skinner's work.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.