Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica
TIPPED BY: JAMES MITCHELL
Unless you’re already initiated into the cult of Frazer Nash, this needs explaining. Frazer Nash used BMW 328 components as the basis for its sports and racing models immediately after the war. The Competition version received simple torpedo bodywork with cycle wings and was re-named ‘Le Mans Replica’ after the firm’s podium finish at Le Mans in 1949 against larger, more potent opposition. Frazer Nash went on to build 34 of them, seven of which were slightly wider, lower MKII versions. So don’t be deceived by the word Replica – Frazer Nash was only replicating its own racer.
Since then, the picture has become a lot more complex. Non-competition Frazer Nash chassis have been rebodied as Le Mans Replicas, and ground-up facsimiles by the likes of Crosthwaite and Gardner and others have swelled the ranks. Needless to say, at this price point, it’s the true originals we’re after. ‘Everyone seems to forget about the Frazer Nash Le Mans for ten years at a time,’ says James. ‘Other cars go up in value, leaving Le Mans Replicas looking affordable, but they always come back. You can do every great historic motor sport event, yet they’re also the best road car of the Fifties. I mean it… they have the perfect power-to-weight ratio, perfect balance, a sense of invincibility – how did I just get through that corner so fast? There’s a lot of Lotus Elan in the way they drive, despite those pre-war looks.’
Veracity is everything though. The first step with a search for a Le Mans Rep is to join the Frazer Nash Car Club so you’re in a position to check any car with the register. Competition and famous names will swell the price, but originality and impeccable continuous history are even more important. Value now? Expect £650k-£700k. About the same as a really good roadgoing BMW 328, but you’ll be on track with sevenfigure Ferraris and C-types.
‘You can do every great historic motor sport event, yet it’s also the best Fifties road car’