Ok, just one more 1940s car then I promise I’ll move out of this decade for a while. But we’re not in Kansas any longer, Dorothy: rather than Plymouths and Packards we’re spotlighting this 1947 HRG 1500 Aerodynamic – an extreme interpretation of ponton styling, though not as outrageous as the 1923 Bugatti “Tank” or this replica of a 1928 Auto Union streamliner. HRG was founded in 1935 by Edward Halford, Guy Robins, and Henry Godfrey in Surrey, England – the company’s name was derived from the last letter of each of their surnames. Its singular purpose was to make lightweight performance cars for enthusiasts. It put 241 cars on the roads before ceasing production in 1956. Even then, it performed engineering and consulting services until 1966. This gorgeous roadster is one of perhaps twelve survivors, and it can be found here on Hemmings. The dealer is asking $165,000 and the car is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thanks to Driven By Faith Restorations for the tip!
Later HRGs made use of Singer’s OHC 1100 cc and 1500 cc four-cylinder engines, a rather inglorious contrast to its motto “The Sportsman’s Ideal”. This car is equipped with the 1500, decked with two SU carburetors wearing velocity stacks, making about 65 hp. Note the twin fuel pumps. The gearbox is a Moss four-speed manual. Acceleration is decent because the cars are light, but top speed disappoints at around 80 mph. The suspension is harsh, as most HRGs were meant to race. Meanwhile, the Aerodynamic body is large versus its narrow, flexible chassis. The combination of unforgiving suspension and chassis flex can be acute enough to crack the body. This car has had its brakes, rear suspension, and carburetors rebuilt, and it sits on new tires. Other than a bit of smoke at start-up, the car reportedly runs well.
The interior is made for business. The aluminum dash is there to hold several gauges and a few switches (all of which can be found on more pedestrian British cars); it provides no artistic panache. I do like the four-spoke steering wheel. The seats lack lateral support, but they’re appropriate to the car. Brooklands windscreens are the only protection from wind; the original glass is included with the sale. The trunk is tidy, containing the battery, fuel tank, and spare wheel.
This HRG has a racing history, including a wicked shunt that wrecked its front end. A sympathetic collector restored the car to its original glory, which involved a complete rebuild of its sheet metal and portions of the frame. As mentioned, these models are very rare – for several reasons. While the Aerodynamic was aimed at the gentleman driver, that customer apparently was not enamored of the stiff suspension, so production was truncated. Too, several Aerodynamics were reportedly rebodied in more traditional styles. Others didn’t survive racing or wrecks or simply time. Oddly, HRGs do come to market once in a while – enough to put the price into context. Prices were stronger six or seven years ago; today, this car will likely require a discount before it moves along to a new garage.
That’s an interesting beastie. The British car industry in 1947 was still building basically pre-war cars with some cosmetic differences, mostly; the choice of the Singer engine isn’t so daft when you consider that Singer had entered teams for Le Mans in the 1930s (I’ve seen a photo of all 3 team cars retired with the same fault at the same place on the circuit).
Did you not fancy Retromobile this weekend?
In 1973 I worked as a shop rat, spending months polishing aluminum motorcycle parts till they looked like mercury. Satisfying but dangerous and dirty. The finish was perfect and we wore cotton gloves while packing lest we leave a handprint. Custom chopper stuff.
This vehicle was buffed by experts at a high level prior to assembly.
Looks like there is no clear coat. Awesome. Need a dry garage to own this.
Question: do velocity stacks really increase input air flow?
Yes, it’s called the venturi effect. In essence, when a substance is pulled from a larger opening to a smaller one, it causes acceleration of the substance, i.e., in this case, more air.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venturi_effect
Thanks
Good write-up as ever Michelle. The G was for Godfrey, who in the 20s made GN cars with N ( Archie Frazer Nash). When Nash abandoned the template of light, chain driven English roadster for importing BMWs in the mid 30s, Godfrey thought there would be a gap in the market left.
The HRG was simplified but aimed at the sporting motorist. It was more orientated towards trials and rallies than circuit racing. Probably the Aerodynamic sought to address this but for the reasons Michelle states, it was not a success.
If this curiousity is worth so much money, I don’t know. I do know that a thousand cars could tempt me to spend that amount before I considered an HRG.
The more I look, the more I like this car. The look just gets cooler and cooler.
The attention to detail is amazing. I’d love to take this for a spin.
Very’ XK 130ish!’ Very sharp for 1947! It’s a bit out of my range! ( just a bit! like about 150K!! ) : > )
An estimated 225 “Hergs”, as they are called by their owners and the club, survive. Saw a conventional bodied one at Amelia one year, thought it was an old MG or Morgan. Interesting car.
I don’t see dual fuel pumps in that engine photo, Michelle. If you are referring to the two cylinders below and forward of the SU’s dash pots, those are the float bowls.
Looks like they might be electric pumps on the firewall . . .
That is correct, connbackroads.
I am pretty familiar with float bowls, having fished more than one sunk float out of a bowl in my lifetime. Best fix in that regard: sunk brass float in Bugeye bowl, removed, found hole, shook out most of the fuel, sucked the rest out (yeah gas is vile and yeah I spit it out asap and no I don’t make a habit of this but you do what you have to), stuck a wood splinter in the hole which swelled once floated in fuel and off we went. Yay.
Ah, yes, I see them now. That’s a great story, Michelle! I forgot you also had MGAs, so very familiar with SUs.