176 NWL - The Downton Targa Car

[mk1]

Of all the Downton Cars, 176 NWL is probably the one with the richest history being 1 of the two Minis that got the ball rolling for the Wiltshire Tuners.

860 MW the original "Mini Ton Bomb" formerly owned by Barry Hawkins died in the late 60's early 70's in a collision with a Bus.

Up until recently the whereabouts of 176 NWL have been a little less clear. That was until last week, when I received an e-mail from it's final owner.

I purchased the car from my then best friend Barry Haig who was at that time employed by Downton Engineering. I was at that time working for H.A Saunders, later to become Mann Egerton Group, as an Automotive technician.

At the time of the photo the car was fully converted back to a legal road car. The engine was 1340cc with many mods installed. The close ratio/straight cut gearbox remained as did the Koni shocks.

Unfortunately in March 1971 the car was extensively damaged beyond repair by an oncoming Ford Escort turning right across in front of me. 2 days later the Insurance Co went bust…..my claim with it !

I salvaged all recoverable mechanicals & fitted to another Cooper but it never felt the same.

So ended the colourful life of Mini Cooper S 176 NWL.

So, in another year or few when 176 NWL makes a miraculous return to the show scene having been found in a mythical barn in mint condition, you will know that it's all cobblers & it's another log book job.

The attached image shows 176 NWL shortly before it's demise.

[UHR850]

Thanks for this story mate

[Pete]

That's a sad end to a significant car isn't it but always interesting to hear how these cars ended up, even when they didn't make it. As mooted in a previous post a Downton (of London) built racer has surfaced recently that has survived very much intact, hope to persuade the owner to break cover with news of the car soon.