CHRIS BRISTOW’S MG SPECIAL GETS PUBLIC DEBUT AT RACE RETRO
Visitors to Race Retro will get an exclusive look at a unique MG barn find, recently unearthed, that was raced by the late British Formula 1 driver, Chris Bristow.
Coinciding with the launch of BHP Publishing’s latest book, ‘Forever Young: Six Lost Talents of Motor Racing’, the MG Special will make its public debut at the historic motorsport season opener thanks to the Bristow Sports Cars.
The Leonard MG Special was commissioned by Lionel Leonard in 1955 and then built and raced by Bristow the following year. In barn find condition, as discovered by renowned art dealer, Ken Bolan, the car is to be restored and raced again and has already been invited to Goodwood Revival. Bristow Sports Cars plan to produce a continuation / resto-mod series of the car dubbed the ‘Bristow Barchetta’.
Weighing less than 500kg and featuring a steel spaceframe chassis and Ferrari-style aluminium bodywork, an MG XPAG engine with a special works block and Laystall alloy cylinder head and crankshaft produces 100bhp. The car could achieve in the region of 125mph.
In 1956 the car would be raced by Bristow at Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Crystal Palace and Silverstone, achieving wins at those last two. Born and raised in London, the British driver had bought the MG at the age of just eighteen and his exuberant driving style soon saw him dubbed the ‘wild man’ of club racing.
His talents behind the wheel ensured a move to Formula 1. A teammate to Stirling Moss at the 1959 British GP, Bristow would qualify well at the 1960 Monaco GP although he would retire from the race. He was just 22 years old when he was killed while racing a Cooper F1 at Spa Francorchamps in 1960. Britain lost a driver that many thought would be world champion one day.
Today, the British Racing Drivers’ Club awards the Chris Bristow Trophy to the Young Rising Star driver each year. Past winners include greats of the sport including David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.
For racing fans and marque enthusiasts alike, this year’s show provides a unique opportunity to see a very special car, and to celebrate the life of an equally special driver. This MG is guaranteed plenty of attention when it finally returns to the race track.
Chris’ story is just one of the tragic tales in BHP Publishing’s new release ‘Forever Young: Six Lost Talents of Motor Racing’. Written by celebrated motorsport authors Andrew Marriott, Ian Wagstaff, Jon Saltinstall, and Darren Banks, it is illustrated with numerous rare photographs.
