Automobile Frazer Nash 'High Speed' Le Mans Replica 1948 in vendita

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Woodcote Park Auction event, 8 July 2026.
£280,000 - £360,000 GBP

The first post-war Frazer Nash competition model
Shown at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show
Originally purchased by Czechoslovakian racer Frantisek Dobry
Participant in period events, including the 1949 Grand Prix of Prague, 1949 One-Hour Production Car Race at Silverstone Circuit, the 1949 Bruno Cup for Sports Cars, and more
Eligible for many of the most prominent historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Monaco Grand Prix Historic, and Le Mans Classic

The early history of this important post-war Frazer Nash is documented in many of the books dedicated to the marque, and it is believed that this very car was used by the factory for period advertising. Chassis 421/100/004 was the fourth car built by the Frazer Nash factory once peacetime had resumed, and this car was designated the internal build number “FN4”. It is understood to be one of only four ‘High Speed’ competition models made; it is the oldest model of its type and the precursor to the legendary Le Mans replica cars that followed.

The car offered here was displayed at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. This public appearance drew the attention of Frantisek Dobry of Prague, Czechoslovakia, and completed the purchase and shipped the vehicle to central Europe. As shown on a copy of correspondence from AFM Limited dated June 1970, this Frazer Nash ‘High Speed’ Le Mans replica was delivered to its first owner in December 1948. Mr Dobry bought the car straight from the motor show stand, with HJ Aldington, father of the Frazer Nash movement, doubtless having worked his charm to close the deal.

During the following years, Dobry campaigned the Frazer Nash in a number of events. A July 1949 issue of The Motor indicates the Dobry entered the car in the Grand Prix of Prague in four events over four consecutive weekend with three 1st-placed results and a single 2nd-placed finish. In August, Dobry’s friend, Zdenek Treybal entered the one-hour production car race at Silverstone Circuit and achieved 5th overall and 3rd in class. The High Speed would return to continental Europe for the Czechoslovakian Grand Prix in October 1949 for the Bruno Cup for Sports Cars and another class victory was achieved.

A document on file detailing the history of the automobile reveals that the changing political climate eventually put an end to the duo’s racing endeavours and Traybal was even refused a passport to compete in the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally. This circumstance left the Frazer Nash locked behind the Iron Curtain away from western eyes for 20 years until it was discovered in a garage in Prague by Donald Hill in 1969.

Hill was lucky enough to complete the purchase thanks to business interests he held in the country and was granted permission to export the car back to the United Kingdom. Once on home soil, a careful restoration was completed.

In the mid-1970s, the authoritative “guru” of early Frazer Nash knowledge, Roddy Macpherson acquired the car via the Harold Webb Dealership and would continue to compete successfully in races up to the end of the decade. In 1987, the car was acquired by Sir Anthony Pilkington, chairman of the eponymous Pilkington glass maker, who ran the car amid an impressive collection of cars that included a Maserati 300S.

With the vendor, marque specialist Blakeney Motorsport has been routinely entrusted to maintain the Frazer Nash throughout nearly two decades of cherished ownership. As seen at historic racing events at Goodwood Members’ Meeting, Monaco Historique, Formula Vintage at Silvertstone, Castle Combe, and more, this Frazer Nash would be an excellent companion for future historic racing. Today, the High Speed retains its distinctive body with usage lines, low-set headlights, and iconic silver paint. A fascinating piece of automotive history, this Frazer Nash is a highly versatile machine eligible for some of the most prominent racing, rallies, and tours across the globe.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/wp26/.