The Monkey Stable Racing Team
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The Monkey Stable re-enters sports-car racing in 1955 with a team of completely new cars of unusual design. It is hoped that the first of the new series will be seen in the British Empire Trophy race at Oulton Park on April 2nd. Three further chassis have been laid down and are due to make their appearance in mid-May.
The Cars : The chassis, built in the Monkey Stable works in North London to the design of Harry Lester, consists of a tubular steel frame of 3 1/2 in. diameter of ladder construction. Suspension both fore and aft is independent. At the front, large-diameter helical springs and alloy wishbones are employed. At the rear, a multi-leaf transverse spring and double wishbones in light alloy are supported by an alloy spring carrier. Damping at front and rear is by Andre telescopic friction shock-absorbers. The prototype car, which is being used for development purposes, is powered by a 1,467-c.c. M.G. engine, now producing considerably more power and a higher rev, limit than heretofore. Two 12-in. S.U. carburetters are used in conjunction with a special high-compression head. Final drive is by a Salisbury differential unit and two Hardy Spicer universal couplings. Lockheed brakes (with two leading shoe operation) in Alfin drums are used.
A shapely glass-plastic saloon body has been evolved in conjunction with Automobile Plastics Ltd., of Southgate. The new material has great strength allied to light weight and lends itself to producing a streamlined form with generous window areas and stabilising fins at the rear.
The Drivers : On its first appearance, the new Lester-M.G. will be driven by J.C.C. Mayers. Later cars, two of which are to be powered by the 1,100-c.c. Coventry Climax engine, are to be driven by Mike Keen, Trevor Line and Mike Llewellyn, who replaces Pat Griffith (now embroiled in business affairs) in the team. The team will be managed (as in the past) by Peter Avern.
The Programme : The Monkey Stable intends to compete in as many International sports-car events as possible, both at home and on the Continent. The design of the car lends itself particularly to events calling for endurance over long distances.