THE RA4 VANGUARD RACE CAR |
|
An important part of New Zealand single-seat racing history from the 1950s.
One of five or six innovative single-seaters built by Hec Green and Jack Brewer based on ww2 german designs secured from the UK MOD post war. FIA papers till 2035. Race history at International events (Lady Wigram Trophy) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kiwi Ingenuity
A great showcase for Kiwi ingenuity that deserves to be recognized on a global stage
The RA4 Vanguard was built in 1950/ 51 in Christchurch New Zealand and first appeared at the 1951 Lady Wigram International meeting at Christchurch. The design was entirely revolutionary for a GP car with a mid-engine configuration, which at that time was only seen in the new air cooled 500cc Formula Three cars. |
Suspension
The front suspension was as used by Auto Union but sprung by rubber shock cords – a medium that was extensively used in aircraft landing gear. The rear suspension was an unusual low pivot swing axle arrangement and springing was by Hydraulic oleo struts from the tail wheels of P40 Kittyhawk fighter aircraft. Adjustments could be made from the cockpit via a system of pulleys and levers.
|
Engine & Transmission
The engine was based on a modified Standard Vanguard; larger head studs, cross drilled crankshaft, and a Hec Green designed and ground camshaft. It was fed and supercharged via a pair of SU carburetors through an aircraft cabin blower chain-driven from the front of the crankshaft to provide 14 pounds of boost. Fuel was a methanol blend, with the engine giving over 200bhp and detonation was helped by water injection. The transmission was a 3-speed sequential transaxle of their own design and manufacture. This proved well up to the task and is still in the car today.
|
|
|
|
Race History to Present Day
|
The RA4 first appeared at the 1951 Lady Wigram International meeting at Christchurch New Zealand.
The car performed well (despite lack of development) at many International and local meetings in NZ from 1951 through until 1960 when it was outclassed by the “new” rear-engined Coopers…History includes the International Lady Wigram Trophy in 1951/ 52/ 53/ 58 and 60, various road circuits and the NZ Beach Racing Championship. The RA4 won the 1952 NZ beach racing championship and the 1951 Class D Speed record. The RA4 is without doubt one of the most revolutionary post-war Grand Prix cars. |
|
|
Hec Green went on to race an RA Vanguard in the 1961 NZ Lady Wigram grand prix finishing in 7th place racing against the greats of Stirling Moss, John Surtees and Jack Brabham.
After laying abandoned for many years the car was eventually rebuilt with support from Jack Brewer in the 1990s changing hands number of times until purchased by Ian Jones in 2021. Ian being a PPL pilot purchased the car due to its aviation heritage and having appreciated its ground breaking design and rarity decided to embark on a complete ground up restoration. |
Ian engaged Pace Historics owned by Gareth Burnett to carry out the restoration which involved restoring every aspect of the car from the chassis, engine rebuild to panel re fabrications (carried out my Ingham Customs).
After many hundreds of hours of work the result is a truly remarkable restoration which the team believe Hec and Jack would be proud of. Alongside the Auto Union and the Cisitalia the RA4 is without doubt one of the most revolutionary post-war Grand Prix cars still in existence and Ian’s ambition is now for the car to compete in historic classic races which is where it belongs! |
|
|
|
The Story Behind the RA Grand Prix Cars
|
During the latter half of the 1930s Grand Prix racing was completely dominated by the two racing teams, one from Mercedes Benz and the other Auto Union. Collectively referred to as “The Silver Arrows”. Whilst both teams set new standards for technological developments, only one of them – Auto Union – chose to adopt a radical new approach to Grand Prix car design, positioning the engine behind the driver. After WWII Grand Prix racing continued, however the concept of the Auto Union was largely forgotten and the norm for GP cars was to remain front engine / rear drive until the Coopers arrived in the late 1950s……….since when the Auto Union layout has become standard. |
However, during this early Post WWII era there were two exceptions to this norm, both of which took their inspiration from Auto Union.
The difference in Budgets between these 2 Projects may have led to significant difference in their relative execution. However, the basic design concepts do have much in common. i.e.
|