Lot details
Registration No: 8200 BY
Chassis No: 610107

- Subject to an older restoration and described in 'very good' condition throughout

- Fully refurbished 1500cc pre-crossflow engine with a Cortina gearbox

- Perfect for HRDC Allstars Championship events and possibly suitable for Goodwood Revival

GSM (Glassport Motor Company) was established in Cape Town in 1958 by South African racing drivers Willie Meissner and Bob Van Niekert, and the name Glassport reflects their decision to build cars with fibreglass bodies. Their first product was the Dart, an open-two-seater based on a ladder chassis powered by a variety of engines including Coventry Climax, Ford and Alfa Romeo. A number of GSMs were raced with success in period - eg the pairing of Chris Fergusson and Hugh Carrington achieved outright victory in the 1959 Kyalami 9 Hours race in a Coventry Climax powered variant, while 1959 British Saloon Car Champion Jeff Uren pedalled one to a number of UK class wins during the 1961 season. UK versions of the model were built in West Malling, Kent, though carried the name Delta rather than Dart, as Daimler had beaten GSM to that particular Moniker.

The Delta offered was purchased new in 1961 for £700 by a Michael Hampton, who is reputed to have sold the car following a scary moment at Brands Hatch. In those days it featured a 1000cc Ford engine, but is now powered by a 1500cc pre-crossflow unit that has been fully refurbished complete with large valve unleaded cylinder head; steel rocker pedestals and fresh rocker shaft, valves and guides; plus a Newman PH3 camshaft to take advantage of its Weber 40DCOE carburettors. The block has been honed and fitted with new pistons and rings and the unit drives through a lightened flywheel and Cortina gearbox. This rare and interesting sports car is being sold complete with stainless steel exhaust, hardtop, side screens, tonneau cover, and large history file. The subject of an older restoration, it is presently described as being in 'very good condition throughout' and would be welcomed in the HRDC Allstars championship events and possibly even the Goodwood Revival.