Mystery racer

Based on the unusual combination of Triumph Herald chassis with modified Goggomobil Dart fibreglass body, a lot of the history of this former racer remains a mystery to the current owner, so we thought we'd tap into the expertise of JUST CARS readers for some answers!

What is known is that the special is based around an early model Triumph Herald chassis and running gear. The Dart body has been modified and re-glassed to accommodate a Herald motor. It was purchased in Geelong, Victoria about 20 years ago, and disassembled to the state you see it in these images, and put into storage before coming into the current owner's possession.

There are some obvious pointers to its use on the racetrack - dual brake master cylinders, glassed-in catch tank, lockwired drain plugs and provision for a roll hoop - but just where this special was raced, and by whom, remains a mystery. Vestigal doors have been cut into the body at some stage, but glassed over again. Aside from the roundels for racing numbers on the body, there are also traces of painted scrollwork and a picture of what has been described as an 'eggman' riding a rocket. An 'E', has been added below the Triumph Standard badge on the grille, possibly referring to the 'Eggman' illustration.

The car may have raced at Tasmania in the late 1960s, although some photographic proof of this has yet to surface. The current owner is seeking more information on its background, with a view to potentially restoring it to its former livery and running it in historic competition. If you can help, contact Norm on 0408 277 185, email: [email protected]

We'd like to know more about it, too. If you have some background and photos of this car from its glory days, please email them through to: [email protected] or post to: Mystery Racer, Locked Bag 34, Geelong, VIC 3220. All photos can be returned on request.

Source: JUST CARS, August 2009, Collectors Issue #162