1956 HRG 1500
- Engine
- 1.8L OHV inline-four (BMC unit), 94 bhp; original overhead-cam Singer engine also included
Chassis WS231 is the final HRG 1500 to leave the factory, dispatched in July 1956 as part of a batch of twelve cars ordered by North American importer Jack Wherry. Bodied by St. Leonards Engineering of Sussex, the car was eventually delivered in right-hand drive configuration. A previous owner substituted a 1,798 cc BMC engine for the original Singer unit, though the original powerplant is retained with the car. The current owner completed a comprehensive two-year specialist restoration covering all mechanical systems, brightwork, and interior trim.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$121,000
- —Auction saleSold US$143,000
- 1956 →Factory deliveryMr. Olsonpartial documentation
Originally ordered through US importer Jack Wherry; delayed dispatch due to indecision over steering configuration, making it the last 1500 to leave the factory. Car was bodied by St. Leonards Engineering.
- Date unknownPrior owner before current consignorpartial documentation
Replaced the original Singer overhead-cam engine with a 1,798 cc BMC unit for competition purposes, with no alterations to bodywork or chassis. Original engine retained.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent consignorfull documentation
Undertook a two-year specialist restoration covering chassis, suspension, braking, electrical, and transmission systems; also installed period-correct Brooklands screens, competition harnesses, renewed brightwork, and refurbished interior. Full restoration records accompany the car.
Competition
- —Informal hillclimbs and gymkhanas in New England
Participated in casual competitive events in New England following completion of the restoration, described as use in a sporting manner.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
The original overhead-cam Singer engine was replaced with a 1,798 cc BMC unit to provide greater power and simpler serviceability in competition use; no changes were made to the body or chassis.
The displaced Singer engine is included with the car.
- —Restoration
A comprehensive two-year specialist restoration covering chassis, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, transmission, wire wheels, brightwork, interior leather and carpeting, instruments, hood, side curtains, and luggage compartment. Aero screens and competition safety belts were also fitted.
Full documentation of the restoration work is included with the car. Work was completed approximately one year before the auction catalogue was written.
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