Frazer-Nash

England. l924-1960.
Archie Frazer-Nash's highly individual chain-driven sports car was a logical extension of the earlier GN with which it shared a similar transmission layout. This had a dog-clutch gear change, separate chains for each of the three forward speeds and a solid rear axle. Quarter-elliptic springs were another inheritance.

A variety of proprietary engines was fitted. Initially a Powerplus was listed, though this was succeeded by the 1.5 litre side-valve Anzani unit. This in its turn was replaced by the ohv Meadows. From 1934 an ohc 1.5 litre four-cylinder power unit was also fitted, latterly known as the Gough (after its designer, Albert Gough). This particular engine was fitted to the Shelsley and TT Replica models, though in the former instance yet another engine variant was available, the dohc 1667cc six-cylinder Blackburne.

In 1929 H. J. Aldington took over the company and in 1934 began importing the German BM W car; clearly the days of the archaic chain-drive cars were numbered, though a trickle continued to be made up until 1939.

By contrast, the post-war Frazer Nash was a far more sophisticated product, using as its power unit the 2-litre pre-war BMW 328 engine, jointly developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company and the Aldington brothers. This was mounted in a tubular chassis with transverse leaf independent front suspension and torsion bar rear suspension.

In 1948 the High Speed Model appeared and from that derived the Le Mans Replica (following a 3rd placing in the 1949 24-hour classic). A win in the 1951 Targa Florio made the Frazer Nash the only British car to have won victory laurels on the twisting Sicilian circuit. Latter-day Nashes were fitted with BMW 6cyl. 2.6 litre engines though the capacity was later increased to 3.2 litres.

The marque's last appearance was at the 1959 Motor Show, production ceasing the following year.

(Vintage European Automobiles)