1953 HRG 1500 WS Roadster

When the G.N. cyclecar concern failed, H. Ron Godfrey, Major Edward Halford, and fellow automaker Guy Robins formed the H.R.G. Engineering Company. Together, they developed a sports car that featured power from a Meadows four-cylinder engine installed in a primitive chassis that had a solid tubular front axle, a solid rear axle, and leaf-spring suspension at all four corners. They also had cable-operated mechanical drum brakes.

Over two years of construction, the company produced 241 cars, with the final 12 examples being sent to the United States. This particular example is one of those cars. They were powered by modified Singer short-stroke engines, which offered significantly more performance.

It is believed this is the first of the twelve Singer-powered cars. It was factory-equipped with four-wheel Girling hydraulic drum brakes, as well as leather bonnet straps and optional motorcycle-style racing fenders.

The first owner of this car was HRG Western Hemisphere Works Representative Jack Wherry Sr. He later gave the car to his son, John. The car was later traded to buy a Ferrari, and it went on to be sold to Derek Durst, of North Kingston, Rhode Island. The next and current owner was Mr. John Moir.

This HRG 1500 WS Roadster is powered by a SOHC four-cylinder engine displacing 1496cc and offering 65 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014