1947 HRG 1100

Lot details
Registration No: JLA 13
Chassis No: S82
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Named after its three founders, Edwin Halford, Guy Robins and Henry Godfrey, the H.R.G. concern sprang up in 1935. Robins and Godfrey had cut their manufacturing teeth with Trojan and GN respectively, while Halford was a dyed in the wool Brooklands enthusiast. Indeed, it was at the famous Weybridge circuit that the three decided to create a lightweight sports-cum-competition car. Encouraged by the press reaction to an initial prototype, the trio joined the Society of Motor Manufacturers for 1936 setting-up shop in Tolworth, Surrey. Very much in the Vintage idiom, the first H.R.G. model was based around a pressed-steel ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension (reversed quarter-elliptic front / semi-elliptic trunnion-located rear), direct steering and cable-operated four-wheel drum brakes.

Powered by a Meadows 4ED 1500cc four-cylinder engine allied to a Moss four-speed manual gearbox, it was reputedly capable of 0-50mph in 9.8 seconds and 90mph. Bodied in aluminium over an ash frame, the car was notable for its low weight (both in kerb and unsprung terms). However, the H.R.G.'s real strengths lay in its acceleration, deceleration, manoeuvrability and durability. Almost devoid of styling with its plain radiator shell set well behind a tubular front axle, functional wings and slab tail, the open two-seater nonetheless exuded a purposeful air. Extremely versatile, the design was "equally at home in town, fast touring, speed hillclimbing, tackling the muddiest of trials, the trickiest of rally sections or an MCC Speed Trial at Brooklands" ('Classic Sports Cars' by Cyril Posthumus and David Hodges).

Proof of such versatility, an H.R.G. claimed second overall on the 1938 RAC Rally while another was the highest placed British finisher at that year's Le Mans; the marque going on to win the 24-hour endurance race's 1.5 litre class in both 1939 and 1949. Although hand-built in small numbers, the Tolworth-based firm's products attracted an elite clientele including Prince Bira who raced a 1500 version at Brooklands. Announced in late 1937, the HRG 1100 utilised a proprietary Singer 1074cc SOHC four-cylinder engine that was reworked to produce a claimed 44bhp @ 3,800rpm. A near carbon copy of its larger-engined sibling (which changed from Meadows to Singer power at around the same time), the newcomer proved nimbler still thanks to a 3.5-inch wheelbase reduction and half-a-cwt less mass. However, only eight of the forty-nine H.R.G. 1100s made up until 1950 left the factory prior to the outbreak of World War Two.

Finished in British Racing Green with red upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. Reportedly "supplied new to Rod Ross in 1947", chassis number 'S82' is also understood to have been "one of the three cars in the H.R.G. 1100 team for the 1948, 1949 and 1950 Alpine Rallies". Co-driven by Ted Farley and winning its class at the Mont Ventoux hillclimb on one occasion, the two-seater then seemingly retired from Continental competition until entering the current ownership in 1984. Extensively campaigned during the last three decades, its roll of honour includes the Pirelli Marathon, Alpine Rally, Prix Maritime (Germany), Rallye Niege et Glace (France), Rallye Slovenie (Slovenia) and the Rallye de los Pirineos (Spain). Well maintained as one might expect given its workload, we are informed that 'JLA 13' was treated to "an extensive engine overhaul, respray and rewiring in 2004".

Illustrated in 'HRG - The Sportsman's Ideal' by Ian Dussek, this historic 1100 is worthy of close inspection and accompanied by numerous bills.