ABC Flat Twin Single Seater
Coming across the remains of a GN chassis supporting a muck cart in Slough, Freddie could not find an original GN V twin. However, he did find an ABC flat twin in use powering a saw bench, and this was duly mounted, with a scant single seat body constructed utilising a cut down Austin radiator surround. Reverse was dispensed with, carburation was twin SUs from an Austin Westminster, and cooling provided by a belt driven fan, although this was soon dispensed with. The car made its first outing in 1968.
Although underpowered, the car showed significant promise, and made several race and sprint outings before the engine failed. A replacement was sought, and found, in the form of another ABC flat twin. The engine's owner, upon Freddie's arrival said 'don't you want the car as well?'. The car in question was languishing CAPPA racer, Morgan GN 'Salome', and so another special joined the Giles stable.
HRD Series A V Twin Single Seater
After the demise of the second ABC, and with the desire for more power, a 1939 Series A HRD 1000cc V twin was fitted. This proved a highly successful combination, giving plentiful power and a series of successful outings.
However in 1975 the prop shaft, subject to sustained high speed use, let go, destroying the back of the engine and bevel box front in the process. The car was once again rebuilt with the HRD engine, this time with a different body incorporating a GN radiator surround (worn previously by Salome). This curved black tail, and spindly appearance, gave rise to the affectionate name 'Beetle'
However some performance had been lost, and the car was put away for several years whilst focus turned to Salome.
AC Engine Single Seater
In 1983/4 the car passed into son Jon's hands and was rebuilt again. Taking inspiration from Ron Footitt's highly successful 'Cognac', the decision was taken to fit a 1928 2 litre AC Six cylinder engine. At the same time, basic 'Road Equipment', such as wings and a front light were fitted, along with a Frazer Nash front axle, incorporating front wheel brakes and Andre Hartford suspension dampers. This work was completed by Ron Footitt and Jon at Cleobury Garages. It was at this time the car was re-registered for the road as 'DTC 374'.
The car was once again back campaigning hard. However in 1985 a rear wheel collapsed at Cadwell park whilst Freddie was battling for second place. This resulted in a roll, destroying the body in the process.
AC Engine Two Seater
Once again, the car was rebuilt. This time it was lowered, and fitted with the narrow two seater body it wears today. The car continued to be campaigned hard, and took part in a wide range of races, hill climbs and sprints.
Along side this the car saw extensive use as a road car, taking part in the 1998 Mille-Miglia, 2007 FNCC Alpine raid, and several other Frazer Nash Car Club raids. Luggage is carried in panniers over the scuttle, and spares in the scant 'boot'.
Over the time since the 1985 two seat conversion, several small changes have been made to the cars specification. Reverse gear was added in 1997 to aid usability on the road. In 2000 16" Rear and 18" Front wheels were substituted for 19" all round to increase ground clearance, and revert to 'Vintage' specification. The AC Six engine was continuously upgraded and rebuilt throughout the 90's and 2000's, improving power and reliability.
Current Day
The car continues to be campaigned hard throughout VSCC events and beyond, predominately in Hill Climbs and Sprints. It is frequently a front runner in it's class, and holds or has held VSCC class 10 records at Curborough, Wiscombe Park, Shelsey, Prescott (Long and Short Course), Harewood, Loton Park and Snetterton.