H.W.M.

GB, 1950 – 1956

H.W. Motors Ltd, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

John Heath and George Abecassis supported Formula 2 racing energetically in the 1950 – 1953 period with Alta-powered 2-litre and 2½-litre HWM cars, and did much for Britain’s prestige at a time when the national livery was seldom seen on the circuits. These HWM cars had twin ohc 4-cylinder engines, all-round independent suspension and preselector (later, Jaguar synchromesh) gearboxes. In 1952 a 1-2-3 victory was achieved with HWM cars in the International Trophy at Silverstone, but in spite of frequent HWM successes and Paul Frère’s win, with an HWM car, in the Grand Prix des Frontieres at Chimay, the HWM car company lacked the finance to compete on even terms with the Italians. Very few HWM cars were sold, though the HWM company later made and raced larger sports HWM cars with such engines as the 3.4-litre 240bhp Jaguar D engine, tubular ladder-type frame and a De Dion rear axle. The manufacture of HWM cars ceased with John Heath’s death in 1956.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; MCS

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