coventry climax query

[larry emrick]

Hi All:
I am curious to know if anyone ever used a Coventry Climax engine for either race or road in the '60s-'70s era Morgans and in particular if the factory ever considered its use. Would it have been a viable engine, or were there technical or capacity issues?

Thanks, Larry.

[machiel kalf]

Hallo Larry,

In Martyn Webb's (new) book "Morgan an English Enigma" , you find a lot of information about the period they raced with 4-4 Series I cars.

Enjoy, Machiel.

[Mark Shears]

Hi Larry,

I am the current custodian of a 1955 Plus 4 that was originally owned and raced by John Looker and registered OWP 38.

It originally left the factory with a Vanguard engine (V697) on May 27th and by July 9th John was racing it in the 750 MC's Six Hour Relay race with one of the three Morgan Plus Four teams!

However in October of that year John Looker bought a FWA Coventry Climax engine of 1,097 cc from Alan Brown - a noted racer in the 1950's...

The same month the factory supplied a 4/4 bellhousing and other parts and in December the factory fitted a bulge to the nearside bonnet to clear the carburettors - the carbs are on the nearside of a Climax engine.

John had some success with this engine for the 1956 season:

June 2nd Oulton Park - 2nd in 15 lap handicap race

June 16th Silverstone Sprint - 3rd in class 1001 cc to 1500 cc

June 24th Brunton Hill Climb - 3rd team award

July 21st AMOC Silverstone (St John Horsfall Meeting) - !st Class plaque and 2nd in Morgan A Team

July 29th BOC Prescott - 1st Sports car under 1300 cc

September 16th Worcester MC Autocross - 1st under 1100 cc plus 1st Team Award (with Jim Goodall and Peter Morgan)

September 30th Staverton Aerodrome Sprint - 2nd under 1500 cc class

October 13th Oulton Park - class winner. Still fitted Coventry Climax engine.

During March and April of 1957 John, with the help of the factory, fitted a TR 2 engine which they uprated to the latest TR3 spec.

He then commenced a new season racing with this Triumph engine and for the following season another even 'hotter' TR 3 engine with much success - but that is another story!

Cheers,

Mark

[larry emrick]

Hi Mark:
Thanks for the information. It certainly was a successful endeavour but presumably going to the TR engines put him in another class. I did stumble on one other instance but can't just now remember the details. Odd that there weren't more.
Thanks, Larry

[machiel kalf]

hallo Mark,

What an interesting part of the Morgan Racing history. But why using a 1097cc engine in a Plus 4? Glad to read that he switched back to a TR2 and later a (hotter) TR3 engine. Did you find out what the results with that engine where?

We still hope you can find the time to visit our archive.............

Best wishes, Machiel.

[Mark Shears]

Hi Machiel,

OWP has a great history post Coventry Climax engine too.

The factory supplied and uprated the TR engine in March/April 1957 and that year OWP competed at Goodwood including the Members Meeting four times.

Of interest to us racing in modern times John Looker came first in the Marque sports car race on August 31st organised by the BARC - but was later disqualified for exceeding track limits...! So you see boys and girls nothing is new in motor racing!

John also contested Silverstone, Crystal Palace, Mallory Park and Oulton Park. In addition he hillclimbed OWP at Brunton Hill Climb and Prescott.

Later in the season John fitted a TR3 engine supplied by Standard Triumph and used this engine for the next 1958 season. He went on to hillclimb at Brunton and Trengwainton and race at Mallory Park, Silverstone and at his favourite circuit, Goodwood. In fact at the September 27th BARC Scratch race he came 6th behind a certain Chris Lawrence who was 4th in a Morgan Plus 4 registered TOK 258...

Cheers,

Mark

[machiel kalf]

Hallo Mark,

Thanks for your response. This gentleman, Mr. Looker was very active and successful.

All very interesting,

Machiel.

[larry emrick]

I finally received my long-awaited copy of The LawrenceTune Years and now All will be revealed. What a monumental project. I am having to put it down occasionally to make it last.
Larry