Frazer Nash BMW V8 Continental

This is one of just two Frazer Nash chassis built with an experimental BMW V8, a one-off combination from the days when AFN was also the UK importer of BMW. It began life as chassis 421/200/204 and was renumbered 421/200/300 when the 2.5-litre V8, engine number M.29, was fitted in 1956. It was registered 50LMU in August 1957 under the unusual number 521/1. Underneath it is a conventional 200-series parallel-tube chassis, with a de Dion rear axle, Koni dampers and centre-lock wire wheels.

The car was first bodied as a closed coupé, drawn by Peter Kirwan-Taylor, who went on to design the Lotus Elite, and built by Peels of Kingston. It was meant for Le Mans but missed the 1957 race. That coupé body was later discarded and replaced by the open sports body it wears now, which comes with full weather equipment stowed in the boot.

The ownership history is documented, running from Paul Fletcher through Brian Savage and Ivor Moseley Webb, who kept it for 20 years. It appeared in Classic Cars and Old Motor as a "mystery car". The dealer describes it as fully restored and suited to shows or fast road use. No mileage is stated.