 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |
1950 Lester MG Special news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
During the late 1940's in a war torn Europe, Harry Lester operated a small garage business in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England. He also raced a modified MG PB Midget that was constructed prior to World War II. Like many others during this era, he saw an opportunity to build competitive racing machines. He turned his sights on the 1500cc sports car class. He began by modifying a 1250cc MG TC engine as well as adapting other MG components to his racer. The result was a small, lightweight car that was powered by a 1467cc engine and cost less than most of the other machines being fielded.
In 1950, Harry became associated with an amateur, wealthy driver named Jim Mayers. Soon, a team had been formed called the Monkey Stable consisting of three drivers. Pat Griffith and Gerry Ruddock were the other two drovers. The team had much success in British events with their cars providing many podium finishes for the drivers. At the Goodwood race the Lester machines proved their true potential by dominating the nine-hour race to finish in the top three places. Mayer was happy with the Lester cars performance and asked Harry to create three more cars for long distance competition. Harry felt he would be unable to complete the request in time, so the job was given to Kieft.
For the following season of competition, the Monkey Stable found themselves in the back of the pack for many of the races. For the next season, 1954, the Monkey Stable team fielded no cars. Mayer had sold his Kieft cars and commissioned Lester to build four cars for the 1955 season. By the time Mayer got the cars, they were already outdated in comparison to the rest of the competition. Marque's such as Lotus and Cooper were having much success with their aerodynamic, nimble, and lightweight cars. Tragedy struck later in the season at the Tourist Trophy Race in Dundrod when Mayer was killed in a multi-car crash. After this, the Monkey Stable team dissolved. Harry went back to running his garage. In 1982, at the age of 82, he passed away.
It is believed that Harry Lester constructed about 20 cars with most being powered by MG engines. Two of his last cars constructed for the Monkey Stable in 1955 had Coventry-Climax engines. It is believed that about 5 or 6 of his Specials are still in existence.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
In 1950, Harry became associated with an amateur, wealthy driver named Jim Mayers. Soon, a team had been formed called the Monkey Stable consisting of three drivers. Pat Griffith and Gerry Ruddock were the other two drovers. The team had much success in British events with their cars providing many podium finishes for the drivers. At the Goodwood race the Lester machines proved their true potential by dominating the nine-hour race to finish in the top three places. Mayer was happy with the Lester cars performance and asked Harry to create three more cars for long distance competition. Harry felt he would be unable to complete the request in time, so the job was given to Kieft.
For the following season of competition, the Monkey Stable found themselves in the back of the pack for many of the races. For the next season, 1954, the Monkey Stable team fielded no cars. Mayer had sold his Kieft cars and commissioned Lester to build four cars for the 1955 season. By the time Mayer got the cars, they were already outdated in comparison to the rest of the competition. Marque's such as Lotus and Cooper were having much success with their aerodynamic, nimble, and lightweight cars. Tragedy struck later in the season at the Tourist Trophy Race in Dundrod when Mayer was killed in a multi-car crash. After this, the Monkey Stable team dissolved. Harry went back to running his garage. In 1982, at the age of 82, he passed away.
It is believed that Harry Lester constructed about 20 cars with most being powered by MG engines. Two of his last cars constructed for the Monkey Stable in 1955 had Coventry-Climax engines. It is believed that about 5 or 6 of his Specials are still in existence.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
