Crispin Harris

AC MONOPOSTO

Born from the wreckage of a crashed Aceca in France during the 1950s, the Ac-bristol Monoposto made its Goodwood race debut in the trickiest conditions.

This good-looking machine was driven by Crispin Harris for owner Nick Upton, and has been rebuilt from a box of bits over 10 years by Cavendish Continental Engineering. “I’ve done a few sprints at Goodwood but never raced here,” says Harris. “Sitting so high and changing gear between your legs takes some adjustment, but the handling is very predictable.”

Harris made a demon start from 14th on the grid to third in the Hawthorn Trophy, which was the first race on Sunday. Although the track had been swept several times, the salted surface proved a challenge. “It was very slippery and you really had to drive with your fingertips. After a few laps I started to feel a big vibration from a rear hub, so I backed off to preserve the car. With two laps to go I was caught by a Cooperbristol and Connaught, then I overcooked it at Lavant and understeered off. I managed to catch them up but the chequered flag came out.

“We did a day’s testing prior to the weekend, and the level of preparation around the track was remarkable. The transformation was amazing and it’s that attention to detail that makes Goodwood so special. I’ll never forget walking into the paddock on Sunday morning and seeing the Cooper-bristols covered in snow.”