1953 Staride F3 500cc

Background:

The Staride cars were built in the early 1950s by Rob Erskine, a man better known at the time for his speedway motorcycle frames. Designed by Dean Delamont (formerly of Kieft) and Cecil Mitchell, the new Staride represented an evolution of the designs they had previously worked on.

The car was incredibly inventive, featuring a central fuel tank and a driver placed relatively far forward in the spaceframe chassis. Suspension was a huge step forward, with rising rate geometry, wishbones on the front and a swing axle to the rear, with damping provided by push rods onto a single rear shock — very innovative for the time.

The first car was built for John Habin, whose first outing was at Goodwood in April 1953. Altogether, around ten cars were built with a choice of either JAP or Norton engines, with drive transmitted through the ever trusty Norton/AMC gearbox. Success on track followed for many well known drivers such as André Loens, Eric Fenning, Ninian Sanderson, Adrian Butler, Denis Taylor, and Reg Bicknell. On three occasions each; Bicknell and Taylor made the podium in international meetings in 1953 and 1954.

The Car:

This lovely Mk3 is offered here in excellent running condition, having spent its most recent years being campaigned in hill climbs and sprints.

The extensive history file chronicles the last 30 years of ownership, with the car having been initially restored and driven by Dick Parrot in the 1990s before it passed to well known campaigner Sandy Skinner around 2010/11. Skinner then undertook another restoration to bring the car to the correct period specification, including a new body by Duncan Ricketts. Skinner did not skimp on detail, as the five-binder history file attests and the result of his work is how the car sits today — having been lovingly cared for since his tenure by the current owner, a retired professional motorsport mechanic.

Power comes from a correct JAP 4B engine running on alcohol and a 14.5:1 compression ratio, fed air through an Amal 1000 series Mk1 concentric carburettor. Drive comes via an AMC/Norton gearbox fettled by Cameron Engineering, with Jack Knight Engineering providing the custom steering rack.

Along with the extensive history file, the car also comes with a trailer, a roller-starter, a spare set of rims, and an assorted set of used wishbones and driveshafts. It has previously been issued with HTP papers, which could be renewed. Everything is in place to get onto the hills this year. The car could also be used for circuit racing, subject to the additional safety equipment that would be required.

The car will be on display on our Rare Retro Auction stand during the weekend of 21st–23rd February should interested parties wish to view.

Location: Oxfordshire

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional