Frazer Nash

Archie Frazer-Nash (always with a hyphen) was an enthusiast as early as 1910. In that year he joined H. R. Godfrey to make cyclecars, hence the GN. Some twelve years later they both left their company, Archie to build Frazer Nashes (without a hyphen) and Godfrey later to build HRGs. What they left behind them was a long and involved story and one of the most treasured names ever to grace the radiator shell of a sports car. How did it happen that two young engineers with little more to offer than engineering skills, wit, endeavour and staying power should stand out amongst a multitude of similar `entrepreneurs' from the early days of motor car manufacture? It's interesting to look at the facts; this book covers much new ground and clears many misapprehensions. Archie's 1914 car 'Kim' had by 1927 achieved over 50 victories. GN produced almost 6000 cars in England and France (under the Salmson name) and had many racing successes. The 'chain-gang' Frazer Nash with their various engine options from Plus-Power, Anzani, Meadows, Blackburne and Gough, with their rear wheels, driven by chains and having no conventional gearbox is the main part of the story. The connection with BMW and the marketing of the Frazer Nash BMW models such as the 315, 319, 327 and immortal 328 by AFN is also recorded. Then came the post war Austin, BMW and Bristol engined cars , with the likes of the Fast Tourer, Le Mans Replica, Mille Miglia and with only 105 post war cars built, their successes were even more impressive. Although always small in terms of the quantity built the cars were successful, always interesting and inevitably remembered in a romantic light. A traditional English sports car with a fanatical following today.