Frazer Nash Continental BMW V8 1959

1957 Frazer Nash BMW V8 Continental

This was the first of two chassis built with V8 BMW engines. It was initially numbered 421/200/204 and was renumbered 421/200/300 when fitted with the BMW engine in 1956. Then in August 1957 it was registered with the unusual chassis number 521/1. It was however a normal 200-series parallel tube chassis with the usual transverse leaf-spring front suspension.

It was fitted with a de Dion rear axle as used in a few Mk II Le Mans and Sebring cars in 1953/54. The rack and pinion steering gear was by MG/Morris, not Bristol; this may have been necessitated by the wide V8 engine. A large Serck radiator was used as well as Koni dampers front and rear, Al-fin brake drums and centre-lock wire wheels.

The engine used was an experimental 2.5-litre BMW V8 engine with the number M.29. AFN were the official UK importers of BMWs, and the Aldingtons had been thinking about using the BMW V8 engine since it was announced in 1954.

The Coupé was completed and registered 50LMU in August 1957, with chassis number 521/1 and engine number M.29 rated at 2,450cc. The originally fitted rather ungainly 2 door coupe body under which guise it was used for commuting to London during the 1960's was subsequently discarded & the more appropriate open sports body we find on it today installed.

The body incidentally comes with full weather equipment which is stowed in the very capacious rear boot area, also affording the ability to carry a good bit of overnight luggage. The car is as a whole in perfect mint restored condition. It goes extremely well given the V8 power & the lack of weight, whilst making all the right noises.

This is a very very rare machine being one of just two made & as such is an ideal candidate for shows & concous whilst being eminently suited to fast road use.