Registration - 190 XVS

Chassis No. - DVLASWA3972120807

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 28,048

This extremely rare road-going race car is thought to be one of three entered by the GSM works for the 1961 Nürburgring 500km race. Its restoration had been commenced by a previous keeper who had removed the body and replaced the main chassis tubes. He had then refitted the body, suspension and brakes using new parts as necessary, before unexpectedly passing away. The car then lay dormant for 20 years before being acquired by the vendor, who has now completed the work. He informs us that the Delta remains to original specification apart from the wheelarches being slightly more rounded at the top – presumably in order to accommodate wider tyres. It retains its original 997cc Ford 105E-based engine, which is close to the Formula Junior versions in specification, and features: Holbay forged pistons, hollow iron crankshaft, steel rods, Cosworth A6 camshaft, vernier cam timing wheel, steel main bearing caps, lightened rockers on steel posts, twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors, organic clutch and oil cooler. The unit drives through the Delta’s original four-speed close-ratio gearbox to a five-link solid rear axle. The car comes with new tyres from the HSCC approved list together with an Historic Vehicle Identity Form, and complies with papers for the HSCC’s Historic Road Sports Series. We understand it could even have Goodwood Revival potential, as a Delta won at Goodwood in 1961, driven by 1959 British Saloon Car Champion Jeff Uren.

The vendor advises that, if it’s to be raced, the Delta will first need an in-date seat harness, but if road use is the priority then the fitment of a milder camshaft would probably be advisable. He reports that there is some roughness in the 100E steering box, which is not noticeable when driving. ‘190 XVS’ comes complete with all the aforementioned paperwork, plus a number of spare body panels and the option to buy another GSM project.

GSM (Glass Sport Motors) was a South African car manufacturer formed by Bob van Niekerk and Willie Meissner in 1958. The prototype Delta was, however, built in the UK. Production of the model terminated in 1964 after around 150 examples had been made in Cape Town and c.50 in West Malling, Kent.

In summary:

• A rare road-going race car complete with competition papers
• A very cost effective route into historic motorsport
• Now fully restored after a 20-year hibernation