1959 Fairthorpe Electron Climax
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Estimate: £22,000 upwards
The Background
The British automotive landscape of the 1950s was vastly different to what we have today. There were myriad car companies, each vying to be the best they could be. Some were in the business of luxury, others were trying to satiate post-war Britain’s need for a family transport, while others were focused solely on performance. And it’s that latter contingent that brings us to the car we have listed for auction here, namely a 1959 Fairthorpe Electron.
Fairthorpe is a rare but nonetheless notable name in the book of British motoring history. The company was founded by Donald Bennett, an Australian aviation pioneer and bomber pilot. Famed for becoming the youngest Air Vice Marshall in the Royal Air Force, Bennett was just as comfortable on the spanners as he was in the cockpit. And he put this passion to good use in 1950 with the birth of Fairthorpe Cars, based in Chalfont St. Peter.
Bennett wanted to build cars that would offer thrills and excitement. He also wanted to make cars that were, to provide those thrills, lightweight and agile. His first offerings were ambitious, but ultimately not brilliant. There was the Atom, a curious coupe with a two-cylinder motorcycle engine in the back, though it was most notable due to it being one of the first cars to utilise a fibreglass body. This was followed by a more traditional, front-engined model known as the Atomota. However, like its predecessor, it sold in small numbers.
Bennett wasn’t to be put off though, and in 1956 Fairthorpe launched the car we have here; the Coventry Climax powered Electron. It was fast, it was light, it was agile and care of the Microplas Mistral body, it was sleek. However, it was also expensive, and as such, Fairthorpe launched a cheaper Electron Minor version fitted with a Standard Ten engine.
For a select few, though, the Coventry Climax Electron proved itself to be a formidable racer. Around twenty were built with upgrades such as the suspension, brakes and rear axle from a Triumph TR3. Sadly though, as is the case for cars of this ilk, they soon faded into obscurity. As such, only around seven are known to still exist today, of which the one listed here could possibly be the best. This is a true slice of automotive history.
The History
The recent tale of this particular Electron starts with neglect and dereliction, which as you can see, is a million miles from its current, outstanding condition. Left to languish on a farm on the Isle of Wight for more than two decades, the Electron had fallen into a sad state. Paint faded, engine rusted, the future looked bleak for this once great car.
Thankfully, the car was rescued by Robert Cobden, and he knew what the car was and was well aware of its significance. As such, he set about the herculean task of restoring this plucky little car. It’s saving grace was its completeness. The Coventry Climax engine was still in place, the Triumph underpinnings too. There was potential to be explored.
The restoration was extensive and no nut was left unturned in the pursuit of bringing the Electron back to its former glory. The chassis was refabricated, as corrosion had taken hold of the original, and given the competitive nature of the car, attempting to repair the original would have been unwise. All the surviving components were stripped, cleaned and repainted. New bushes, new fuel and brake lines, new hoses, new… everything. The disc brakes were rebuilt, the suspension was replaced with GAZ equipment.
The engine, the heart and soul of this little car, was removed and completely refurbished. But more than that, it was sent to Peter Waller who reground the crank and balanced it, he fitted new rods and pistons (forged, of course) inside the new FWE liners, which take the capacity out to 1,220cc. A Kent Cams race cam was fitted with new bearings, the cylinder head was gas-flowed, fitted with larger valves and bench tested. The whole lot now keenly revs to 8,000rpm and has achieved 112mph on the rolling road. The transmission was also removed, stripped and completely rebuilt, along with the rear differential.
Robert then built the car up, including the bright yellow paint, to be used on track. A roll bar, harnesses, cut off switches and all the other bits and bobs one would expect to find in a racer. He used the car for a few years before it was sold to the current owners.
Fastidious about detail, the new owners set about another round of works to bring the car up their desired specification (Spending a verifiable £15,000 on developments no less!). They had new, bespoke roll-over protection fitted along with a new seat and new harnesses - all supplied and fitted by Andy Robinson race cars. As well as the all important fabrication of a drivers side protection bar. But that’s not all, oh no.
The rear suspension has been completely rebuilt and track tested by Rawles Motorsport. The interior now houses a frankly exquisite leather race seat, bespoke of course, by Gibson Automotive. Upgrades have been made to improve the cooling system, the front suspension has been reworked and set up for competition and a new steering rack has been fitted. A new rev counter and adjustable rev limiter have been fitted. The brakes have been overhauled, including the refitting of FIA approved callipers. A new custom stainless exhaust system has been built and fitted, which has been designed to satisfy 98db regulations.
The Paperwork
As you can well imagine, given the car was left forgotten for a number of decades, there isn’t a great deal of paperwork from this Electron’s early days. However, there is photo and written documentation to support everything that has been done to the car since. There are also photographs of the car in its ‘as found’ state, that really do illustrate just how far this car has come.
The paperwork, for the last twenty years of the car’s life is still exhaustive, with a huge folder of documentation included. Every part, every invoice from specialists who have carried out work, and every step of the car’s restoration is covered. There is documentation to support the car’s previous racing endeavours, there are photos of the car on track, there is original documentation from the FIA and MSA, there are even technical drawings created by Peter Waller who rebuilt the engine. There is documentation to support the car’s racing credentials and validity, and there are rolling road print-outs to support the power and performance figures.
In terms of current FIA paperwork, the Electron doesn't have current papers. However, the car has been inspected and there is paperwork to support the FIA’s guidance to obtain it. The ignition, which is currently electric, needs to be converted back to original. And the rear shock absorbers need to be swapped out for non-adjustable items. That’s all though.
There is also a current V5 and registration, so should you want some exciting transport for your commute, you could press the Electron into action.
The Interior
This Fairthorpe Electron is an out and out race car, so there isn't too much in the way of interior. However, what is there is excellent. First of all there is that frankly wonderful bespoke leather racing seat by Gibson Automotive. Offering ample support and even a degree of comfort, it’s a welcome addition. There are alloy pedals, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and of course, a brace of functional Smiths gauges. Revs, speed, oil temp, water temp, oil pressure and fuel are all represented. There is also another rev counter in front of the driver, which is hooked into an electronic Omex rev limiter.
Elsewhere in the cockpit, there is a charming pool ball gear knob with reverse throw for better ergonomics. A bespoke aluminium cover has been built by Andy Robinson Race Cars to cover the passenger compartment, and under it you will find the LifeLine extinguisher. There is a carbon fibre rear view mirror mounted ahead of the driver, along with a sleek aero screen (though the original does come with the car). There is also a tonneau cover included.
The final noteworthy point of the interior is the fresh, and FIA approved roll-over hoop. The previous hoop wasn’t up to spec, so the current owner opted to have Andy Robinson Race Cars build this new, much safer part.
The Exterior
The fibreglass body of this Electron is in excellent condition. It’s evident that the repairs were done to a high standard and the replacement panels, such as the front flip front (built by a company specialising in fibreglass AC Cobra bodies) are top quality. There are no cracks, there is no spidering and the glossy yellow paint positively glows. Race cars normally carry some wear and tear, but this one seems to have escaped such things. The driver’s door opens and closes with ease, as does the boot and front flip-front.
The car wears a collection of stickers detailing its various outings, as well as a number of amusing ‘Flying Banana’ decals, which is the name by which this car is affectionately known.
The new roll hoop has been expertly fitted, as have the covering plates for the holes left by the old one.
The wheels, all-black centre-lock wires, are in excellent condition with no signs of damage or corrosion, and all wear recent Dunlop rubber.
The underside of the car is as pleasing as the topside. Thanks to having a ramp, we were able to explore the chassis in detail and we’re happy to report that this Electron is in outstanding condition. There is a slight bit of surface corrosion here and there, but nothing to write home about. The bushes all look good, the metal components are all in excellent order and have been well painted/protected and also show no signs of damage. There are no leaks, no split rubbers/boots. It’s not concours, but why would it be? It’s a race car. But as race cars go, this is one of the most beautifully presented.
The Mechanics
As you’d expect for a car built for competition, the mechanical side of things are not something you need to worry about. The engine was completely rebuilt as part of the car’s restoration, and since then, it has been on the receiving end of ongoing tuning and development. The most recent works included a new timing chain tensioner, new gaskets and a car tune. The car has been active on track and on the rolling road, of which there is documentation to prove. It’s in exceptional condition.
The suspension is all in great condition, and both front and back has been tuned and adjusted recently in the name of utmost performance. The steering rack has also been replaced, so there is no slack through the wheel at all. Befitting its name, this car is electric to drive.
There are no bumps, rattles, crashes or squeaks. The car starts on the button and without any complaint or issue. The carbs have recently been tuned, and the engine, while a race-bred unit, will happily drive along at road speeds. This is a racer you honestly could use regularly on the road.
The Appeal
The uniqueness of this car makes it an attractive proposition, there’s no doubt. Buy this, take it to Goodwood and you’ll be the talk of the paddock, as there won’t be another. It’s also a fun, charming little car that doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of car that puts a smile on your face when you look at it, and that smile turns into a small chortle when you look at the happy banana decals! It’s fun, it’s not intimidating like some period racers. And we love it for that.
But of course, there is no escaping the fact that this car, if pressed hard and leaned on, can be serious. It’s a race car, and no nut nor bolt has been turned on this car without that fact being at the forefront of the mechanic’s mind. This is a fast, agile little car that has the potential to be exploited at all manner of events. Track days, hill climbs, rallies or just a spirited Sunday blast along your favourite ribbon of a road. This little car can do it all. It’s a captivating, joyful machine that you will, if you’re the lucky bidder, fall in love with.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make Fairthorpe
- Model Electron
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 1,917 Miles
- Engine size 1220
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 6
bidders
- Pa•••• £17,000 27/07/20
- Ju•••• £16,750 26/07/20
- Ia•••• £16,500 24/07/20
- AL•••• £15,500 24/07/20
- Ia•••• £15,000 24/07/20
- AL•••• £14,500 22/07/20
- Ia•••• £13,500 21/07/20
- AL•••• £13,000 21/07/20
- Ia•••• £11,500 21/07/20
- AL•••• £10,000 21/07/20
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