Ian & Eric Hancock’s Lenham Midget Special

The Hancock’s Lenham MIdget Special

PURCHASED:   April 2001

RESTORED BY: Eric Hancock

RESTORATION DATE: August 2005

 

BODY

Year:  1965 Midget

Body: Lenham Le Mans Coupe Conversion

Bonnet:  W&P Sebring GT one piece bonnet

Modifications: Body and bonnet widened 4”

 

ENGINE

Block:  BMC 1275 cc A Series – Rebuilt to standard specifications and balanced.  Unleaded head conversion.

Induction:  Twin 1 ½” HS4 SU Carbs

Ignition:  Electronic ignition

Exhaust:  Extractors – 2” Exhaust

 

TRANSMISSION

Gearbox:  Five Speed Toyota T3 – Dellow Conversion Kit

Differential:  BMC  3.7:1

 

COOLING SYSTEM

Radiator:  Austin 1800

Water Pump:  EWP Electric Water Pump

Fan:  Electric Fan

 

SUSPENSION

Front:  Standard Springs; ¾” Sway bar; Negative camber trunnion bushes

Rear:  Midget Rubber Bumper Springs; Telescopic Damper Conversion

 

WHEELS & TYRES

Wheels:  Rebel 13”x 6 “

Tyres:  Goodyear Ducaro 185/65R x 13”

 

ANCILLARIES

Navigation:  Halda Twin Master

 

Mechanically the rebuild was oriented towards reliability for use in Historic Navigation Rallies.  The 5 speed and tall diff (3.7, maybe just a touch too tall) were suited to the longer distances covered in the events.   We also soon found the “rubber bumper” rear springs were essential to give the car sufficient height with a crew of two, equipment for a days driving and to cope with the country roads. The extra 4″ of space in the cabin of the Midget was a side benefit of the wider body. The body had been widened by the previous owner to fit bigger rubber under the car for racing.

 

HISTORY

YET TO COME

More information about the Lenham can be found on http://www.lenhammotorcompanyltd.com.

Full conversion kits are still available from the company in the UK as well as Sebring Sprites.

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