Dellow? One of only around 220 (of all models) built, 1949-1959). Let me explain........

The basic Dellow, Mk I and II, was primarily built for English trials driving. A weird form of low speed motorsports performed on a farmer's rutted, muddy field. And, from what I understand, having a lot to do with driving a car that has good traction in the mud. Typically Morgans, MGs, VWs, and most anything else. BUT the Dellow was designed specifically to be (as they are known) 'mud plugger.' Hard to believe.

Anyway, the company, with its original owners, lasted to the mid 1950s and folded But before the end, Dellow built a limited number (the Dellow register believes the total production was 14 cars) of far more roadable cars. Still using the tried and true Ford Anglia/Prefect mechanical components. Much as Colin Chapman was doing with his first production car, the Lotus Mk 6 (and saving the number '7' for a future update). With both using, primarily, the same Ford 1172cc engine.

BUT THIS car has been extensively restored and fitted with the very best available components. A fresh Ford 100E engine, special pistons and con rods, balanced, high pressure oil pump, alloy high compression head designed and built by Aquaplane (a famous period English engine accessories company). And an Acquaplane ribbed alloy side cover. And the head is, as called by the English, OISE. Overhead intake and side exhaust valves. With tubular headers and twin SUs. And a full race camshaft.

Connected to a Ford 100E 3 speed transmission with Buckler close ratio gears and a high geared differential. And the result of all of this? The day it came in, we took it for a drive, got it warmed up and ZOOM. Felt like a Lotus 7 with worn steering.

We guess the power is around 80hp and the Dellow register informed us the curb weight was 1,064 pounds. Which if you do a quick calculation, your wind up with a rather impressive power to weight ratio. And as a rough comparison, the first Lotus 7 Series 1s with a 34hp Ford 100E engine weighed around 800 pounds.

Clearly not a car for everyone but a dandy VSCCA race entry, quite road usable, and with no more than a handful built, not much chance of seeing another one at a show.