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boltonmg
USA
24 Posts |
 Posted - 08/02/2019 : 22:21:46
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Another find by Chris Nowlan in the ARCA archives at the Revs Institute (Collier Museum) shows this J2 with French (?) plates and several "extras" which might mean it has been prepared for LeMans: Large Union Jack on bonnet; Bonnet strap (but only 1); scuttle mounted aero screens; Radiator overflow; stepped in headlights.
Any ideas as to identity?
We know that, having purchased the Macdermid J2 (J2416/JB839), Sam Collier tried to enter LeMans in 1934. But that car was white. We also know that, when Sam took K3011 to Europe to race in 1935 they "took along" one of the US-based J2s for general use. We think that one was green and we have no other pictures of it because it was never raced in America.
The second picture below is a new one to us showing Sam Collier in the ex Macdermid car from the rear and one can clearly see the JB of the UK number plate. Just FYI.
Peter Ross
PA0251, PA0255, J2594 |
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boltonmg
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2019 : 02:28:57
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I may have answered my own question.
When Sam Collier bought K3011, he sold(?) the ex-Macdermid J2416 to fellow ARCA racer Bob Heller who raced it in November 1935 now painted black and with racing number 3.
Then I found a picture of it en route to the Memphis Grand Prix in May 1936 showing the large Union Jack on the bonnet and to be driven by LeRoy Kramer still wearing number 3.
Therefore this may be the otherwise anonymous J2 which Sam Collier and George Rand took to Europe along with K3011 in June 1935 during which they visited Le Mans as non-driving guests of MG. I suggest that didn't stop them decorating the J2 in Le Mans trim. At Le Mans they were so impressed by the organization and performance of the "Dancing Daughters" team that they eventually bought PA1667. This had a long career here in America and is currently safe and sound in the Collier Museum where these two pictures were found last week.
If this is the case, the two pictures I originally posted are of the same car.
Peter
Peter Ross
PA0251, PA0255, J2594 |
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Vitesse
United Kingdom
234 Posts |
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boltonmg
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2019 : 01:50:41
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Being a bit of a student of number plates since I first learned to read, thank you for your interpretation of the French TT plate. This J2 was originally JB 859 in England until Sam Collier arrived in to America (July '34) and the second photo shows an unreadable American sized licence plate on top of the English one. He actually went to France with it in June '34 and returned a year later. Maybe this explains why the plate ends in TT4H.
I enjoyed reading the explanation in your links. However I read that that you needed a TT plate if you purchased a new car tax free in France intending to export it. Like the old yellow surround in England in the 60s.
Thanks again
Peter Ross
PA0251, PA0255, J2594 |
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colintf
United Kingdom
1480 Posts |
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Le Mans J2?
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