1936 Frazer Nash-BMW 319/55 Sports
Extensive period competition history

Registration No: DHX 347
Chassis No: 55023
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 26 319/55 Sports supplied by Frazer Nash
• Supplied new to C. G. Fitt, Esq., for competition use and extensively campaigned at Brooklands, Shelsley Walsh, Donington, etc.
• In a private collection since 2006, it has competed in several rallies during this time
• Rare example specified from new with wire wheels
• Mechanically fettled by the vendor upon purchase
• Excellent history file with numerous period action photographs and correspondence from the original owner
• Among the most desirable Frazer Nash-BMW models!

A former GN apprentice who became managing director of AFN Ltd. on January 1st, 1929, H. J. "Aldy" Aldington was also a keen competitor. Dubbed the "High Priest of the Chain Gang" by none other than Bill Boddy, his team finished second overall on the 1933 Alpine Trial. Determined to go one better the following year, he was dismayed to find that his Chain Gang Nashes were no match for BMW’s new 315 Two-Seater Sports. Thanks to financial input from A. F. P. Fane, AFN Ltd. became the sole concessionaire for BMW in Britain during November, 1934, with the resultant right-hand drive cars being offered as Frazer Nash-BMWs. A more potent evolution of the 315, the 319 featured the same lightweight tubular chassis frame equipped with independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel drum brakes. The enlarged 1.9-litre straight-six OHV engine was tuned to develop 55hp and allied to a four-speed, synchromesh manual transmission. Imbued with better handling and road-holding than anything else in its class and far nimbler than a contemporary Bentley or Lagonda, the Frazer Nash-BMW 319/55 Sports quickly distinguished itself on rallies, sprints, hillclimbs and racetracks around Britain. Rarer than its 328 successor, just twenty-six were made for the British market.

Notable as the second Frazer Nash-BMW 319/55 Sports to arrive on these shores, chassis 55023 was initially finished in Primrose Yellow over Blue and road registered as ‘DHX 347’ on January 24th, 1936. Although he did not have a choice with regards to the colour scheme, the first owner, Charles G. Fitt, Esq., was able to specify wire wheels. A wealthy and accomplished amateur racing driver who had formed part of the official MG Car Club Team in 1933 and campaigned a Ford V8 Roadster the following year, Fitt quickly proved his new acquisition’s versatility by contesting a great variety of events including the London to Exeter Trial; London to Land's End Trial; Brooklands J.C.C. Rally (first in class, 1939); Malden Rally; Coventry Cup Trial; London to Gloucester Trial; Poole Speed Trials; Beechwood Speed Trials; Bullock Cup Trial; Edinburgh Trial; Brighton-Beer (second in class, 1936); Lewes Speed Trial; Croydon Speed Trial; and Bagshot Test Ground. He is further understood to have competed at S.U.N.B.A.C Trial, Shelsley Walsh, Donington and in the Colmore Trophy.

A letter on file from Fitt to one of his successors notes that (a) he occasionally ran with MG Magnette front wings to aid visibility and (b) was less than enamoured with the two-seater’s original livery! Known to have belonged to Fitt until the outbreak of World War Two, an accompanying buff logbook shows that from the early 1950s onwards, the Frazer Nash-BMW passed through the hands of John Michael Beddoe; Barry Hamilton Birch; John Dewhirst Handscombe; Francis Richard James; Malcolm Russell and J. H. Baker.

Unused for several years prior to becoming part of the vendor’s collection in 2006, the 319/55 was subsequently gone through "stem to stern" so as to prepare it for a return to competition. An avid pre-war car enthusiast, the seller has enjoyed ‘DHX 347’ on a host of navigation rallies, VSCC rallies, Irish rallies and historic BMW events over the past twenty years. Pleasingly unmolested, the two-seater is unusual in retaining an under-bonnet fuel tank, not to mention its distinctive wire wheels. Uprated with a Fiat gearbox, an original Hurth gearbox forms part of the sale. Although not currently fitted, the original bonnet sides and associated chrome strips come with the car should a new owner wish to reinstate them. Starting readily with a throaty exhaust note, the vendor notes that the Frazer Nash-BMW is a very usable pre-war car and has been extremely reliable during his ownership.

These days finished in the more muted combination of White with Red leather upholstery, ‘DHX 347’ is offered for sale with a history file that encompasses numerous period action photographs, documentation pertaining to the two-seater’s racing history, a buff logbook covering the 1950s and 1960s, technical literature and a current V5C registration document.

Eligible for a host of prestigious events, the 319/55 Sports is deemed by many to be second only to the 328 in terms of desirability. Considerably rarer than its successor (even in RHD), examples of the earlier machine rarely come to market, making this an opportunity not be missed for Frazer Nash and BMW enthusiasts.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452

Or

Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430