Martin Davidson 1940-2022

Plucky privateers were the lifeblood of international sportscar racing in the 1970s, when the ambition, romance and sheer fun of competing often overrode the practicalities.

For Martin Davidson, who has died aged 81, and his friend Jack Wheeler, the lure of challenging Sicilian roads meant they entered the Targa Florio over eight successive years until 1973.

The diminutive Davidson raced Minis initially under parental radar as ‘Harry Martin’. He competed in the British Saloon Car Championship in 1964 and 1965, in an ex-doc Shepherd one-litre

Cooper S.

Structural engineer Wheeler and film equipment hire boss Davidson’s racing hub became the tuning workshop of Coburn Improvements in Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, managed by Mini racer Mike Darrieulat.

Davidson and Wheeler first took the latter’s ex-works Austin-healey Sebring Sprite to the 44.7-mile Piccolo Madonie circuit in 1966, but non-started. Undeterred, they travelled to Mugello two months later. The following season they achieved a remarkable 18th on the Targa (left), their best international result.

They also finished at their second attempt with the Ginetta G12based Jerboa, powered by a 1000cc BMC engine, in 1971 and the last of six Daren Mk3s in 1973.

Debuted in the 1971 Nurburgring 500Km, the emerald green Daren, brainchild of John Green, was halted by an expensive engine failure there in the 1973 1000Km. It hibernated in Wheeler’s garage, reminding them of the fun they had racing against the world’s best on a shoestring, until sold in 2020.