Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

186 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

Buzzbox served as the design basis and development car for the new
Renwick Bertelli Aston Martins. The 1,41cc overhead-camshaft
engine was the inspiration for the 0nternational and Le Mans models,
and the Enfield-Allday chassis became the test bed for evaluating new
designs. In their book 'Aston Martin 1913-1947, 0nman Hunter and
Alan Archer include a description of the build and first registration of the
one and only R
B (page 0), while on page  there is a photograph
taken in 1927 in the Aston Martin works at Feltham. Buzzbox can be
seen in the background, the accompanying text stating: 'The Renwick
& Bertelli is parked near the bench'.

0t is thought that Buzz Box remained in the Birmingham area and
reappeared in 1947 in Gloucester, subsequently passing through
a succession of owners but remaining off the road between 190
and the mid 1980s. Some major restoration was carried out by well
known racing driver the late Ian Raby, including the building of replica
coachwork and refurbishing the R
B radiator. 0n a letter on file,
Augustus Bertelli writes to Mrs Raby (then owner of Buzzbox following
her husband 0ans death in a motor racing accident) stating: This car
became the basis of the Aston Martin for many years. The restoration
was completed by a subsequent owner, the T type Aston Martin
engine being rebuilt in the process.

0n March 199, Buzzbox was sold at auction to A J Christopher

Thomas of Stirtloe House, Buckden, Huntingdon. The current vendor

purchased the car in August of 2000 from Mr Thomas, who at that time

was President of the VCC. When purchased, the car had been partly

restored" however, the following details were incorrect: proportions

and general body style, wheel sizes, paint and trim colour, brightwork

(chrome, not nickel), size and type of headlamps and rear lamps, PVC

sheathed wiring (not period cotton-bound), and a host of minor details.

Over the next 16 years all of the above was corrected with no expense

spared, originality and detail having priority. Near the completion of

the restoration in 2013, Buzzbox went on show in The Barn at the

Aston Martin Heritage Trust, and was returned in late 2015 to Ecurie

Bertelli Ltd to complete the restoration. Following completion, it was

returned to The Barn early this year, and for the last three months has

been on display in Ecurie Bertelli Ltd's showroom. Only some 100 dry

miles have been covered since the rebuilds completion, and Buzzbox

remains in concours condition.