Beschreibung
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C. 1958 ALBATROSS CONTINENTAL MKI SPEEDBOAT
Serial no. 1087
* Historic British aluminium-hulled speedboat
* Rebuilt Coventry Climax engine
* Refurbished 2014/ 2015 by Albatross Marine
* Used sparingly
GBP13, 000 - 15, 000
€14, 000 - 16, 000
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Albatross Marine of St Olaves, Norfolk built aeronautically engineered, aluminium-hulled powerboats with classic lines and automotive power units. They were designed by Archie Peace, who, together with fellow engineer Peter Hives (son of Rolls-Royce chairman, Lord Hives) had co-founded the firm in the late 1940s. Designed around 1949/ 1950, the first Albatross was built from aluminium, a material available in great abundance following the end of WW2, and used Peace's novel method of riveted construction.
The two-seater prototype weighed a mere 160lb (72kg) and was powered by the ubiquitous Ford 1, 172cc sidevalve engine as found in many sports car 'specials' of the period. Promoted in Mediterranean waters by the newly recruited Bruce Campbell, the Albatross was soon in demand from wealthy socialites. They were popular for water skiing and racing, and were adored by celebrities, royalty, and boating enthusiasts alike. Customers included Brigitte Bardot, Aristotle Onassis, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Grace Kelly, George Formby, Jon Pertwee, and Prince Constantine of Greece, while in 1955 Prince Philip was given an Albatross by the Aluminium Development Association.
The firm expanded into a second, larger building and in 1957 introduced a four-seatermodel: the 15' 3" Continental. By this time Albatross was offering the Coventry Climax racing engine as an alternative power unit. The latter was a marinised version of the '1220' (actually 1, 216cc) FWE power unit developed for the Lotus Elite sports car, and with one of these installed the Albatross's pulling power and speed was greatly increased, the two-seater being good for over 50mph. Sadly, Archie Peace contracted multiple sclerosis, and with Messrs Hives and Campbell departed, the original Albatross Marine closed in 1966. The company was revived in the 21st Century to help keep these historic craft alive, and has been responsible for refurbishing '1087' for the current owner. Carried out during 2014/ 2015, these works included the installation of a freshly built Coventry Climax engine, and rewiring the electrics (bills on file). Since then the Albatross had been used sparingly for around one week each year and is presented in commensurately good condition.
