2023 Season Review

News

Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show.

The NEC hosted the November 2023 gathering and WSM 202 was in the thick of 300 club stands

Hampton Court Palace 1st-3rd September.

The Concours of Elegance showcased 60 of the world’s rarest cars against a breathtaking backdrop, and the WSM3000 was in fine company. The Le Mans 24 Hour centenary celebration brought together past winners, and as selected by a vote taken by all the entrants, the Maserati A6GCS/53 Frua Spider was Best In Show –

London Concours 4th-6th June.

An invitation to the Montres Breguet-sponsored London Concours at the Honourable Artillery Company, a five-acre oasis of green close to Finsbury Square, resulted in a Bespoke class win for the WSM 3000 of Robert Waterhouse. The event played host to a spectacular collection of vehicles, and meeting Lord Hesketh, interviewed by Alex Brundle, and Bobby Verdon-Roe was icing on the cake –

Canvas Uncovered.

A picture of WSM206 at Silverstone surfaced recently, painted by Alan Preece in 1971 and one of many automobilia items from the estate of the late Simon Arkless. Chief mechanic at the nascent Ensign racing team, and latterley with AP Racing, Simon joined Champion spark plugs in 1983 and looked after Renault and Ford interests in F1.

Austin-Healey Sprite.

The Complete Story – Malcolm Thorne’s 208pp hardback recently published covers many Sprite variations after an extensive trawl through the heritage. The development from Frogeye to Mark IV, competition history and the variety of characters keen to develop or put their own stamp on the baby Healey is remarkable.

Bonhams Lot 86.

WSM 208 goes under the hammer at the Goodwood Members meeting on April 16th. The only example of the original three WSM’s constructed in fibreglass known to survive, the Chiron blue racing car is in good company at the Bonhams auction.

WSM 301.

Work continues on preparation as the recently refreshed aluminium bodywork of WSM 301 moves south in the hands of Peter Hesz. 1960’s memories of DW-S at the wheel and previous experience of WSM 208 at Cadwell persuded Peter that the time had come to have his own WSM.