Lenham

[Cedric]

When I was at the Historic GP I spotted an unusual 60s racer: a Lenham. the name rang a bell, because I remember the company made hardtops for MGs and Triumphs. Does anyone know more about this mid-engined Ford-powered car?

[Matra et Alpine]

yep, the Lenham top for the MGB was ...


You're probably thinking of the Lenham GT which used various MG bits - Midget floorpan and suspension with fibreglass body circa '60s


The predecessor to the more common MG based Lenham GT was a Sprite variant from '59ish


Haven't ever heard of a mid-engined Lenham tho'

[Cedric]

A shame I hadn't taken my camera, cos the Lenham racer really did the job, it was an extremely nimble and quick car. Also a pity I didn't get to meet the owner. The car is really worth having a look at.

[Wouter Melissen]

A shame I hadn't taken my camera, cos the Lenham racer really did the job, it was an extremely nimble and quick car. Also a pity I didn't get to meet the owner. The car is really worth having a look at.

Was it yellow?

[henk4]

Was it yellow?

that is not a Lenham afair, but a South African built special

[Cedric]

No, it was blue, and it isn't similar to that car, not by a long shot. Think of an Elva Mk7 with a roof, or a baby Porsche 906 if you will.

[henk4]

No, it was blue, and it isn't similar to that car, not by a long shot. Think of an Elva Mk7 with a roof, or a baby Porsche 906 if you will.

I know what you mean, I have seen the car, it is a regular contender in European sportscar races, but I failed up to now to have taken a proper picture of the car

[Matra et Alpine]

I know what you mean, I have seen the car, it is a regular contender in European sportscar races, but I failed up to now to have taken a proper picture of the car

Jopw about this shape ?
This Austin Healey based Lenham was sold and may be in different livery ?

or maybe Ian Hulett's Sprite/Midget based one, not sure if it's still running blue

Is it soft or hard top, is it kamm tailed describe the front shape, with more info we can probably nail this one down

[henk4]

no, the Lenham I have seen was definitely a mid-engined sportscar, probably with a 2 litre engine (BDA), like Cedric says, a sort of Elva, or Gropa

http://www.racingsportscars.com/phot...-04-photo.html

I found this link, there is no pic, but it describes a Lenham P71, with a 3litre Repco V8, which was a no-show at the BOAC 1000KM 1971, furthermore the entry list for LeMans 1970 makes notice of the Lenham P70, with a 1600 ford engine, but the entry was not accepted, so the car did not run. The P70 probably is the car that we are talking about here.

[Matra et Alpine]

no, the Lenham I have seen was definitely a mid-engined sportscar, probably with a 2 litre engine (BDA), like Cedric says, a sort of Elva, or Gropa

http://www.racingsportscars.com/phot...-04-photo.html

I found this link, there is no pic, but it describes a Lenham P71, with a 3litre Repco V8, which was a no-show at the BOAC 1000KM 1971, furthermore the entry list for LeMans 1970 makes notice of the Lenham P70, with a 1600 ford engine, but the entry was not accepted, so the car did not run. The P70 probably is the car that we are talking about here.

ah friend sent me a link.
Lik this .....

??????????

[Cedric]

The blue Ginetta you are talking about was indeed blue, it was the G16.
The Lenham I am talking about is a darker blue car, gull-winged, mid-engined and powered with a Ford four-pot, I reckon a 1600cc or 2litre. None of the cars posted in this thread are the one I am talking about. It is a closed mid-engined vehicle, not open. If we persevere we can nail it down.

[henk4]

The blue Ginetta you are talking about was indeed blue, it was the G16.
The Lenham I am talking about is a darker blue car, gull-winged, mid-engined and powered with a Ford four-pot, I reckon a 1600cc or 2litre. None of the cars posted in this thread are the one I am talking about. It is a closed mid-engined vehicle, not open. If we persevere we can nail it down.

If it is closed, than it is probably the P70 that Matra's friend was talking about, being the P69 with a roof.

[Pando]

Well the Lenham P70 did compete in Le Mans in 1970, it was a 4-cyl 1.6l engine, so it could be the one indeed, didn't find any pics of it though in a quick google, but I reckon they're out there...

[henk4]

Well the Lenham P70 did compete in Le Mans in 1970, it was a 4-cyl 1.6l engine, so it could be the one indeed, didn't find any pics of it though in a quick google, but I reckon they're out there...

Actually it did not because its entry was refused by ACO

[Pando]

Actually it did not because its entry was refused by ACO

Good point. No wonder I had trouble finding a lenham in pictures from the race!