Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

156 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

Manufactured in 1959, this BMC 5-ton PSV chassis was one of
approximately 20 commissioned by the company's management to
serve as mobile Service Schools, which travelled around the dealership
network training mechanics in the procedures required to maintain the
newly introduced, front-wheel-drive Mini. Designed by Pinin Farina and
built by Marshalls of Cambridge with all-aluminium coachwork, they were
equipped to a very high specification. Originally registered BMC 25,
this example is the prototype of the series and almost certainly the only
survivor of the first six, which had more rounded styling than subsequent
examples. 0t was later loaned to BMCs Abingdon-based Competitions
Department and used by them in Australia, the visit being recorded on
video. Eventually sold to Birmingham <niversity for the nominal sum of
‰1.00, BMC 25 ended up as a coach companys mobile booking office.

The previous owner, a collector and racer of historic BMC competition
cars, discovered the vehicle in a field where it had lain for ten years.
Surprisingly, it moved out of the field under its own power" not only that,
but the chassis and panelling were found to be sound.

Not content merely with a restoration, the vendor wanted to rebuild the

vehicle in the style of BMC 34, the famous Competitions Department

race transporter, which had an extended rear end enabling it to

accommodate two Mini Coopers. Sadly, BMC 34 no longer exists,

having been destroyed by arsonists in the 1990s.

To assist with conversion, the vendor recruited Bromsgrove-based lorry

engineer and commercial body builder, Gordon Chance. As there were no

plans in existence, the reconstruction used photographs of the original.

By an amazing stroke of good luck, a supply of the correctly profiled

rubber strip fitted to the long rubbing strakes was located" it was the last

200 feet the manufacturer had in stock and all but one foot was used.

The transporter is powered by a BMC 5.1-litre six-cylinder diesel engine,

which drives via a five-speed non-synchromesh manual gearbox and

two-speed rear axle. The cylinder head was rebuilt and the engine

serviced as part of the restoration.

148

The factory prototype, BMC Competitions Department

1959 BMC 5-TON RACE TRANSPORTER

Coachwork by Marshalls of Cambridge

Registration no. YFO 9

Chassis no. 5KCFECDE 3992

• Originally one of circa 20 Service Schools


• Used by BMC's Competitions Department


• Converted to factory race transporter
  specification


• Recently refurbished