Ford Martin Special
Post war austerity resulted in a lot of small companies starting up in business making kit cars and although this Ford based Martin Special was based on a humble pre-war saloon, period upgrades make it interesting to drive and own
Specials like this Martin were part of the motoring scene during the late ‘Fifties.
In the immediate post-war years and for quite some time afterwards, mainstream sports cars were simply beyond the fiscal reach of most enthusiasts, not to mention the paucity of raw materials. Add on the fact that for quite some time after the war most new cars were destined for export to top up Britain’s war- depleted coffers.
Consequently, the ‘specials’ (kit car) movement, which started with Derek Buckler in 1947, gathered pace in the ‘Fifties. Many wanabee car manufacturers, some driven by entrepreneurial zeal, some fuelled by simpler desires, followed Buckler’s considerable lead. And, thanks to greater technological and social freedom and to the subsequent and widespread adoption of glassfibre, this exciting and largely DIY- driven industry not only took shape, for a decade or so it burgeoned and blossomed.
Whilst Buckler and a number of other specials were very advanced technically, many, including the featured Martin, relied on humbler Ford 8 or Ford 10 components, including the ladder chassis and Ford’s
ubiquitous 1172cc sidevalve engine. Nonetheless, like many of its ilk this particular Martin has been the welcome recipient of some ‘period’ upgrades, which means that it not only looks sporty, it has the road manners and performance to match its looks.
PRESERVATION
In addition to having a fondness for BMW E30 M3s, John Plant, the owner of this Martin, would be the first to admit that he also has a bit of a penchant for ‘Fifties specials, particularly Rochdales. “I bought my first Rochdale when I was 19 years old”, recalls a broadly smiling John. “Then I got married and when our first child arrived the Rochdale proved to be a bit impractical, so it had to be sold. But, I’d always hankered after another and about 15 years ago, I decided to have a look on the Internet to see if there were any Rochdales for sale. I’ve always liked the fact that Rochdales and similar specials are so different from the run- of-the-mill stuff. They are a fascinating part of our motor industry’s history.
“Anyhow, my Internet browsing revealed that there
were in fact a number of Rochdales and specials for sale. Which is why I currently own a Rochdale Olympic Phase 1, a Rochdale Olympic Phase 2, a Rochdale GT. Then there’s the 1957 Martin! I wasn’t actually looking for a Martin, I just happened upon this one quite by chance. And it intrigued me, which is why I ended up buying it. It’s not had many owners, but one just happened to be Simon Goldsworthy, editor of your sister titles, MG Enthusiast and Triumph World.
“I’m not sure exactly how many Martins were produced. But I think the company, which was based in Kent (and is still trading as Martin Coachworks) made a significant number of bodyshells, possible as many as 500. However, few Martins have survived, possibly just five, including one owned by the Martin family, which is one of the reasons I wanted to own this one and do my bit to help preserve a piece of Britain’s kit car history. Nevertheless, having won the bid, I was a little anxious as to whether it was as good as it looked in the advert.“
BUILD- UP
Thankfully, the Martin not only looked good in the advert, it also looked pretty good in the flesh.
“The car arrived as a rolling shell and I was pleased to discover that everything was generally in good condition,” revealed John. “Nonetheless, I was keen to rebuild the car to a high standard. So I removed the bodywork, then cleaned, rust-proofed and repainted the chassis, which is a modified 1939 Ford Prefect, then overhauled the suspension and braking systems. Plus I did have to move the steering box a tad, as it wasn’t aligned correctly.”
John was also pleased to discover – very pleased in fact – that the suspension had been modified. The front suspension features a Bowden Engineering independent conversion with Woodhead-Monroe telescopic dampers, whilst the rear suspension is a Ballamy-modified set-up, also with WoodheadMonroe telescopic dampers. These modifications were very popular in period and did much to improve the ride and handling. The same is true of the
lightweight wheels (made by Ballamy and much sought after). Leslie Ballamy was a gifted inventor and motor engineer and was much-involved in British motor sport, including the 750 Motor Club, during the pre- and post-war periods.
SPRIGHTLY
Having invested time and effort in getting the chassis up to scratch, John wasn’t about to skimp on the engine. “The engine is a Ford 1172cc sidevalve. I measured the bore and found it to be standard and in good condition. However, I honed the block and rebuilt the engine with new bearings, rings and timing chain and overhauled the cylinder head.
“It’s actually a mildly-tuned engine and came with twin SUs and a special inlet and exhaust manifold, although the rest of the exhaust system is to standard spec. I had it remade in stainless steel by Longlife Exhausts and also sent the SU carbs s away to be rebuilt. Because of the modifications, it’s actually rather lively. It runs pretty cool too but I’ve fitted a Kenlowe fan for when the car’s sitting in traffic.
TELL-TALES
The suspension upgrades, twin carbs and special manifold were only some of the changes that were made to this car. Changes that got John thinking about its former life and use. “Due to the modifications, including cut- outs on the bonnet to vent hot air, I have a strong suspicion that this car could have been used for some form of competition,” John mused.
“Even the gearbox has been modified. It has Buckler close-ratio gears and an Allard remote gearchange. I’m not sure about the diff ratio, but I do know that it’s on the tall side. There’s a good chance that this is also a Ballamy upgrade. The brakes are standard and are effective though, due to the low overall weight of the car.”
SEE-THROUGH
Whilst John was working on the chassis, engine and running gear and ensuring that all of the remaining mechanicals were in fine fettle, the swoopy and attractive bodyshell was also being brought back to its former glory. Better in fact.
“Although the bodyshell was in a pretty decent state, it was