Beschreibung:

1938 ATALANTA OPEN TWO SEAT SPORTS COACHWORK BY ABBOTT OF FARNHAM Registration No. HMX 957 Chassis No. G1011 Engine No. To be advised British Racing green with red leather interior. Engine: Ford, flat head V8, Offenhauser cylinder heads & intake manifolds, triple carburettors; Gearbox: four speed manual with overdrive; Brakes: hydraulic four wheel drum; Suspension: independent all round. Right hand drive. Atalanta Motors Limited of Staines, Middlesex, was founded by Albert Gough, who left Frazer Nash when they decided to import BMW motor cars, Bert Bertelli, from Aston Martin, and Neil Watson, who provided the finance. They produced exciting sportscars between 1937 and 1939 although the Second World War unfortunately prevented further development of these fine machines. The innovative design featured a tubular steel chassis and fully independent coil spring suspension and made the Atalanta the only pre-war British car available with such advanced running gear. These elegant and expensive vehicles also featured hydraulically operated brakes with many lightweight magnesium castings and were available as a two door saloon, drophead coupe or open two seat sports car as on offer today. The sporting bias was pre-eminent throughout and a choice of three engine sizes was offered. These were either Gough 1½ or 2 litre units, or a 4.4 litre Lincoln Zephyr V12. The performance was excellent due to the lightweight construction in all models and the cars were used in various competitive events with some success in the hands of, amongst others, Miss "Midge" Wilby, one of the company's directors. The Light Car road test of April 7th 1939 was enthusiastic about the short chassis Atalanta quoting " road holding is beyond criticism; rough, almost colonial sections can be treated like main roads. The Atalanta has the tenacious quality of a racing car when cornering, and it is nearly impossible to cause the tyres to squeal ". This particular car is one of only fifteen Atalanta's known to have been built during the short production period, and is one of a handful of short chassis models. It was originally owned by Miss "Midge" Wilby, a director of Atalanta and also a great Frazer Nash enthusiast who actively competed in many rallies and trials with considerable success. It is reported that she visited the Atalanta Company and was so impressed with the cars that she decided to enter one into the 1938 Monte Carlo Rally. Unfortunately the entry was not accepted as the Staines concern hadn't built enough cars to be eligible, so she had to use a Lancia Aprilia instead! However, she was so taken with the Atalanta that in 1938 she bought the first of the three she was to own. The car on offer today, HMX 957, was the second, and was a short chassis Abbott two seater sports with a Gough 2 litre engine. This car was subsequently entered into the 1939 Scottish RAC Rally by a Mr. A.E. Crosby, and there are period photographs of it competing included in the file of history. The Gough engine was removed in the late 1940s as it proved to be unreliable, having no means of lubrication to the overhead valve gear. Consequently the camshaft used to seize and the bearings would be destroyed! It was subsequently fitted with a Bristol engine and the history is well documented with various letters and photographs, as well as old log books included in the comprehensive file with the car. A major restoration was undertaken in the hands of the current owner between 1993 and 1995. This work included removing the coachwork, stripping to a bare chassis, and rebuilding. It was decided that a pre-war Ford V8 flathead engine would be a suitable alternative to the original Gough-type, being more powerful and without the inherent problems for which the Gough engines were renowned. A period engine and Moss gearbox was located, rebuilt and fitted, and the original body was repaired and replaced. It was painted in dark British Racing Green and was re-trimmed in new red leather.