1956 Cooper-Climax T39 'Bobtail' Sports-Racer
Chassis no. CS/52/56
Engine no. FWB/400/8/7054

Powered by JAP and Manx Norton motorcycle engines, Cooper's innovative mid-engined racing cars dominated the 500cc Formula 3 scene in the 1950s, providing many future stars, most notably Stirling Moss, with their first taste of 'real' motor racing. What had been a strictly pragmatic solution to the problem of accommodating the motorcycle transmission's chain final drive resulted in a superbly well balanced car, and this demonstrably superior arrangement was continued on the next generation of Cooper sports-racing and single-seater designs. When the former first appeared in 1955 it featured a centreline driving position and an abruptly truncated tail, immediately gaining the sobriquet 'Bobtail' or 'Manx'. The T39 'Bobtail' offered here was delivered from the Cooper Car Company's famous factory in Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, Surrey to Florida resident Bill Boye, who actively campaigned the car on the East Coast of America until 1962. It was subsequently acquired by a Mr Greene of Melbourne, Florida and remained in storage for almost 20 years. Another Melbourne resident, Ron Coughlin, then bought the Cooper and in November 1979 it was purchased and brought to the UK by Roger Fountain of Lincolnshire, who carried out a full restoration. The car was next owned by well-known racer Stephen Bulling, who had it rebuilt to original specification with no expense spared. 'CS/52/56' then changed hands again and in 2003 was offered for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival auction (Lot 129) where it was purchased by the current vendor. In its present guise, the car is assembled around a replacement chassis while the original chassis frame is included with the Lot. Photographs of the original chassis frame form part of the car's FIA documentation. This Cooper is powered by a 1.5-litre Coventry Climax FWB four-cylinder engine, which has replaced the original 1,098cc engine cited as being installed in the May 1996 FIA paperwork. The FWB has been overhauled by Cooper specialist Sidney Hoole. Only a few test miles have been covered since the rebuild. Hoole Racing's extensive preparation and mechanical work is detailed in the history file. Transmission is via a newly manufactured Citroen-ERSA-type gearbox incorporating new gears and fitted with the later-type gearchange linkage, while the transaxle incorporates a limited-slip differential. Body panelling is in aluminium, quickly detachable by means of Dzus fasteners, with paintwork in British Racing Green with Lipstick Red nose. The Cooper-pattern cast spoked wheels are shod with Dunlop racing tyres. This charismatic 'Bobtail' is offered with the aforementioned restoration records and UK-issued RAC, MSA and FIA papers. Fully restored and 'on the button', it is eligible for some of the most important historic events and series including the BRDC '50s Sports Car Series, HGPCA Drum Brake Series, VSCC, Gentleman Drivers and, of course, the Goodwood Revival Meeting.