A unique Rochdale GT prototype with a fascinating UK and Australian history.
Rochdale Motor Panels & Engineering was founded in 1948 by Frank Butterworth and Harry Smith in an old mill in the Greater Manchester town it was named after. They started out making alloy bodies for race cars, particularly Austin Sevens, before moving to fibreglass with the Mark IV model in 1954. This was briefly joined by the ST kit designed for either the Ford 10 or Popular chassis in 1955 however lack of torsional stiffness hampered sales and was quickly replaced by the GT in 1957 as a fixed head coupe. It came with lockable doors, bonnet and curved windscreen, bulkhead, battery box, partial floor sections, dashboard, glovebox and radiator grill all for £140 ex works.
From 1960 Rochdale built its own chassis, and the GT went on to be their best seller at around 1,350 built. Fewer than 80 are believed to survive, and very few are believed to be in Australia.
Of the few that remain – this prototype has an interesting history.
In 1958, Andrew Mustard, an engineer with Dunlop Rubber who raced 350cc and 500cc motorcycles for the company, bought the original glass fibre coupe prototype body direct from Rochdale. His growing family and pressure from Dunlop management had ended his racing career. He had Dunlop’s engineering shop fabricate a bespoke tubular steel chassis, using mechanicals from his 1948 Ford 8hp van, with Colin Chapman reportedly assisting. The result was registered “114 DNX”.
Mustard went on to become Chief Project Engineer on Donald Campbell’s Bluebird land speed record car and moved to Adelaide in early 1963, bringing the Rochdale with him. There, Garrie Cooper’s Elfin team fitted longer lower front wishbones and long coil-over struts at the rear, which noticeably improved the handling.
Unfortunately, due to a growing family and lack of room for kids – the Roachdale was sold later that year in 1963. Shortly after its 2nd owner acquired the Roachdale, it was involved in an accident at the rear which completely scrapped the original glass fibre body. The tubular chassis at the rear was repaired and a new aluminium body was fabricated.
By 1965 it was in Brisbane with Bruce Slade, then it dropped from sight until it resurfaced, stripped, under a Queensland house in the late 1970s. After Tony Galletely and another owner, it was bought in 1982 by writer Noel Tuckey, who began a full restoration over the course of 25 years. He tracked down Andrew Mustard in Townsville, and Mustard helped with the project. The Roachdale was refitted with a period 1172cc Ford side valve engine with Repco alloy pistons, alloy flywheel and Aquaplane finned alloy cylinder head, Anglia four-speed gearbox and E93A back axle. The restoration was completed in February 2007 then subsequently registered.
Photos and documented history accompanying the Roachdale photographs it in England alongside the Bluebird in 1963, outside Mustad’s Adelaide home, as found by Slade and mid-restoration in 1998. Subsequently – the Roachdale has been used in club events by its previous owner in NSW being on club registration.
The Roachdale presents itself as a rough and ready road/race car that adds to its charm – climb inside and you’re greeted to a minimalist interior of bare aluminium panels and exposed tubular chassis giving off vintage race car vibes.
Behind the wheel is a visceral experience – as the little Ford side valve engine roars to life, you’re greeted to all manner of sounds and vibrations. Given the lightened flywheel, the engine feels unexpectedly revvy. In the twistys is where the Roachdale feels best with go cart handling and short gearing making the best out of the 1172cc Ford side valve.
Though this Roachdale can be (and has been) registered – make no mistake - it feels and sounds like something closer to a classic 50’s racecar!
This unusual piece of automotive history could be yours to develop into a historic racer, or to enjoy it as a quirky road car that gets attention at any show.
Sold as is.
Specification highlights
• 1172cc Ford side valve with Repco alloy pistons, Aquaplane finned alloy head, lightened alloy flywheel and twin 1.25`` SUs
• Straight through muffler with side exit exhaust
• Remote oil filter and cooler, high capacity oil pump
• Ford Anglia four-speed gearbox, hydraulic clutch,
• Ford E93A rear axle on trailing links and Panhard rod
• Independent front suspension with upper transverse leaf and lower wishbones
• Triumph Herald rack and pinion
• Hydraulic drums brakes
• 13`` rims with radial tyres
• internal roll bar
• bucket seats with lap sash seatbelts
Contact Tymon for more information – 0439 689 016
Or Visit our website – www.BgsClassicCars.com.au
Presented by BGS Classic Cars.
We are a dealer specialising in Classic, Vintage, Luxury and Unique cars; BGS Classic Cars offers a truly unique and personalized buying experience. Located in the picturesque Mt Samford ranges at our country property, just 15 minutes out of Samford Village, 45 minutes from Brisbane Airport; you can get a real feel for your next vehicle at proper speeds without the headaches of negotiating busy traffic. All inspections are by appointment only. We allow our clients to walk under the vehicles using our onsite vehicle hoist (by prior arrangement only), thus giving you a different perspective and peace of mind that you have fully inspected your next purchase.
More photos can be taken upon request.
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