HRG 1100 Alpine

Named after its three founders. Edwin Halford. Guy Robins and Henry Godfrey. the H. R. G. concern sprang up in 1935.

Robins and Godfrey had cut their manufacturing teeth with Trojan and GN respectively. while Halford was a dyed in the wool Brooklands enthusiast.

Indeed. it was at the famous Weybridge circuit that the three decided to create a lightweight sports-cum-competition car.

Encouraged by the press reaction to an initial prototype. the trio joined the Society of Motor Manufacturers for 1936 setting-up shop in Tolworth. Surrey. Very much in the Vintage idiom. the first H. R. G. model was based around a pressed-steel ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension (reversed quarter-elliptic front / semi-elliptic trunnion-located rear). direct steering and cable-operated four-wheel drum brakes.

a Meadows 4ED 1500cc four-cylinder engine allied to a Moss four-speed manual gearbox. it was reputedly capable of 0-50mph in 9. 8 seconds and 90mph. Bodied in aluminium over an ash frame. the car was notable for its low weight (both in kerb and unsprung terms).

However. the H. R. G. 's real strengths lay in its acceleration. deceleration. manoeuvrability and durability. Almost devoid of styling with its plain radiator shell set well behind a tubular front axle. functional wings and slab tail. the open two-seater nonetheless exuded a purposeful air.
Extremely versatile. the design was "equally at home in town. fast touring. speed hillclimbing. tackling the muddiest of trials. the trickiest of rally sections or an MCC Speed Trial at Brooklands" ('Classic Sports Cars' by Cyril Posthumus and David Hodges).

Proof of such versatility. an H. R. G. claimed second overall on the 1938 RAC Rally while another was the highest placed British finisher at that year's Le Mans; the marque going on to win the 24-hour endurance race's 1. 5 litre class in both 1939 and 1949. Although hand-built in small numbers. the Tolworth-based firm's products attracted an elite clientele including Prince Bira who raced a 1500 version at Brooklands. Announced in late 1937. the HRG 1100 utilised a proprietary Singer 1074cc SOHC four-cylinder engine that was reworked to produce a claimed 44bhp @ 3. 00rpm.
A near carbon copy of its larger-engined sibling (which changed from Meadows to Singer power at around the same time). the newcomer proved nimbler still thanks to a 3. 5-inch wheelbase reduction and half-a-cwt less mass. However. only eight of the forty-nine H. R. G. 1100s made up until 1950 left the factory prior to the outbreak of World War Two.

These cars were all hand built cars in small numbers. Only 241 HRG cars were ever built – only 49 with an 1. 00cc engine. so many more with a 1. 00cc engine.

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Finished in stunning Gloss Black with blue interior. our car 'OPE 30' is the last chassis or two cars in the H. R. G. 1100 team for the 1948. 1949 and 1950 Alpine Rallies".

reportedly finishing 4th in class in 1950

Photos on file show this car at Silverstone in 1950 ready to race and on the alpine rally in 1950. A completely correct HRG 1100 Alpine in everyway.

It last custodian Russ Swift ( the famous stunt driver) owner of 3 HRG 1100 Alpines at one stage. Extensively campaigned during his ownership. it has been maintained regardless of cost as one might expect given its workload and owner.

Prior to Russ Swifts purchase it was owned by the same Gentleman for 50 years.

He bought the car in 1965 and used it for everyday commuting until 1972 when it laid up due to family commitments for the next 25years. The car was totally refurbished in 1997 with minimum modifications but to cope with modern day traffic - kenlowe fan etc. it was used on a regular basis both in this country and France.

Featured in all of the HRG Books. a very significant and import part of British motoring history.

Significant history file
Photographic restoration on file
Full wet weather gear - Hood. Side screens and Tonneau

Vast spares package included with the car

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