Lorraine Engineering, Elvaston Mews, SW7

[Pandora]

Hi Folks,

A pal of mine has just been in touch to ask if I can find out anything about Lorraine Engineering who were based in Elvaston Mews, SW7 as he has a Triumph Tr3 based special which they built in the late '50s / early '60s.

I'm aware they were Downton agents, so does anyone on here know anything about them? Photos would be great, obviously, or old adverts? I'll have a look through my Motorsports at the weekend, but my Collection is from '62 onwards, (though I have some earlier ones)

The funny thing is, Robin and I met whilst working in a mews literally a minutes walk from there, and he never knew why the car was called the 'Lorraine special' - he assumed it was after the builder's wife / girlfriend / lover / cat.

He only found out by chance whilst discussing a different car with a chap who it turned out had had a drive in the Lorraine in the late '60s!

funny old world.

Any ideas?

Al

[bmcman.ie]

i would have liked to have had a ride with lorraine as well if she was good looking!

[Pandora]

I'll post a picture later - But 'Lorraine' was not a looker.

You'd be embarrassed to be caught taking her for a ride.....

Al

[mk1]

Lorraine Eng were started by Anthony Geikie-Cobb (an old Etonian).

I received this mail from a former employee a while ago. It sheds a bit of light on Lorraine. I can put you in touch with Will Morrison if needs be.

*************************************************

Dear Mark

I actually went to work for R C Wimbush of Wetherby Mews, off Earls Court Road after leaving the College of Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering (Chelsea) in 1965. My job was as assistant (reception, workshop organisation and warranty administration) to a Mr King and A J Barker, who was the main Service Manager (you will see him in the Lorraine leaflet which you kindly sent to me - thanks). This business was then owned by Anthony Geikie-Cobb of Lorraine Engineering. I cannot remember the name of the man who ran Wimbush (the showroom was in the Earls Court Road). We dealt in Jaguar, Citroen, Peugeot and BMC vehicles in the workshop, but I cannot remember exactly what franchises were held - possibly even Ford as well (Wimbush advertised in 1954 as agents for Austin, Ford and Wolseley). We had a good number of DS Citroens to look after in London at that time. However, because of the tie-up with Lorraine, we also saw a fair number of Downton tuned vehicles in for work and general service and tuning. I remember one Mini Countryman which was heavily converted (in all ways) for the Burton family (of suits fame) if I remember correctly. Because it started as a Countryman, it had to have Cooper S subframes etc. fitted - again from memory - before the rest was loaded on. Purple with mock-cane sides I think! Did not the Burton family also own TVR? I am almost certain that my friend (from college) Martin Lilley and his father bought TVR from the Burtons. This is all rather hazy but could be confirmed.

The following was announced in Motor Sport of December 1961: 'Lorraine Engineering Co. Ltd., 29/30 Elvaston Mews, Queens Gate, S.W.7, announce their appointment as London Area Distributors for Downton products. Mr Anthony Marsh will be responsible for publicity and sales, and Messrs. Lorraine Engineering Co. Ltd. will employ Downton-trained mechanics to fir their conversions in their own workshops.'

I moved to the Lorraine workshops in Gunter Grove but, after a couple of years, moved on to H F Edwards of Epsom to gain sales experience. However, whilst with H F Edwards, I did have a Maxi 1750 (before the days of the HL) converted by Downton, the first they carried out. Danny Richmond brought it back up to London for me after they had developed the conversion, and on its Minilites and with a two-tone pain job (limeflower with dark blue roof down to the waist) it looked rather like a big Cooper. Went well but it had numerous piston changes under warranty to cure a voracious appetite for oil! Happy days.

For now,

Will Morrison

[Pandora]

Funilly enough, Montague Burton's Chaufeur was a regular in our showroom as he lived further up the Mews. Mantague of course famously gave his name to 'the full Monty' as demobbed soldiers recieved a voucher for a suit, shoes and 2 or 3 shirts 'The full Monty'

Al

[Pandora]

Here she is, in all her 'Glory'

As you'll notice, My pal shares my ability to collect hopeless projects!

Al

[Pandora]

Interesting info on the Autosport website forum:

"Interesting thread this I have a mini cooper which used to belong to Mr Anthony Marsh the car has a Downton conversion and was used as a demonstrator at Lorraine engineering based at gunter grove in London, Lorraine were the London Agents for Downton I have an article from 1962 motoring news which has a half page article about the car Anthony Marsh the Downton conversion etc and how the car's seat had to be special modified for his tall frame… He was sales manger at Lorraine at the time this must hav been about 1963 the car had the number 1 ELY which had some connection with ely marshes, I know that Jackie Stewart wrote his abituary for the BRDC which I think you can still call up on there website I have been trying to get a history of the car up together for shows so any pics of the gent in action would be great"

Isn't 1 ELY's owner on here? THOUGH THE QUOTE IS FROM 2007, SO IT MAY HAVE CHANGED HANDS SINCE THEN

Al

[Pete]

Yes '1 ELY' is owned by Francis on here.

[1ely]

Hi Al, yes still got the car if you go to Marks Downton minis page there is a link to the motoring news article about Anthony Marsh and the Downton conversion done at Lorraine engineering. Information about the company seems a bit thin on the ground, would be good to see if anything turns up.
Francis

[Red Mist]

I actually had a wander down Elvaston Mews earlier today...should have taken some photos!

[Pete]

Pic of Anthony Marsh I found recently

[mk1]

What a great pic. We forget how popular "go-Karting" actually was back in the 1960's.

[Pandora]

All the cool kids have early space frame karts, it's the next big thing in historic racing, I tell you

I must remember to buy socks that match my chassis though. That's a nice touch!

Al

[1ely]

Have a few pics of Anthony Marsh, but not seen that one before!
Francis

[Peter1071]

Richard Miles(Downton London) were also on Elvaston Mews.

[mk1]

Loraine Engineering were Downton agents before Richard Miles took over & turned the business into Downton (London).

M