Description
This car is Lot 169 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 169
1966 Legrand MK3
Registration no.
Chassis no.
864cc Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
47bhp at 6400rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* The perfect start to a capable vintage race car.
* Retaining fantastic and rare early period components.
* An exciting project not to be missed.
THE LEGRAND MK3
In the 1960's small race car brands were sprouting all over Southern California like mushrooms in a wood. With tracks opening all up and down the coast it became quite the hobby for racers and spectators alike. One such brand was LeGrand Race Cars, which were founded by Aldin "Red" LeGrand. The company primarily focused on single-seater formula and sports racing car to fit a number of categories. Established in the early 1960s in Sylmar, Southern California, they achieved notable success in various SCCA events and larger races. The MK3 would be the first to bear the LeGrand name after his split from a business partner in 1964. The car featured inboard front suspension, but now with magnesium rocker arms, hubs, wheels, uprights and steering box castings. With great effort to keep un-sprung weight to an absolute minimum, aircraft style Airheart calipers were used at all four corners connected to the master cylinders with plastic tubing. Even with all this engineering the racers were right on the edge of minimums with 750 pounds for formula C and 850 pounds for formula B. In 1965 a LeGrand MK3, powered by an Alfa Romeo, won the American Road Race of Champions FB at Daytona, finishing ahead of Mark Donohue in his Lotus. Reportedly producing around 20 of the Mk3s, the Mk3 was certainly a highpoint for LeGrand Racecars.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1966 Legrand MK3 is powered by a Fiat 850 inline 4 cylinder with a 4 speed transaxle. It retains many of its original magnesium components and is very true to itself and the period. All of the systems on the car are actuated with hydraulic lines and are more akin to an aircraft then a road car. Whilst the competition history has been lost to time, this LeGrand presents a truly unique opportunity to any enthusiast who wants to cast
themselves back to the golden age of open wheeled racing. Whilst some recommissioning and sourcing are required this is an opportunity not to be missed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
