Godsal
| Godsal Sports Tourer | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Type | Sports car |
| Manufacturer | Research Engineers Ltd |
| Model code | 001 |
| Production | 1935 (only one produced) |
| Assembly | London |
| Designer | Charles Godsal |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Roadster |
| Body style | 2–seat, open top |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Doors | 2 |
| Chassis | Right hand drive, sliding pillar front suspension with live rear axle, 4-wheel drum brakes |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Ford Flathead V8 engine |
| Power output | Approximately: 85 bhp (63 kW; 86 PS) at 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Riley preselector manual |
The Godsal Sports Tourer[1] is a unique, one-off, sports car designed in 1935 by Charles Godsal (1907-1965), son of barrister and inventor Herbert Godsal, and built by Research Engineers Ltd of London.
The Godsal incorporates a contemporary Ford Flathead V8 engine with single twin-choke carburettor achieving approximately 85 bhp (63 kW; 86 PS) at 5,500 rpm, a 4-speed Riley preselector transmission, a sliding pillar front suspension with live rear axle, 4-wheel drum brakes, and coachwork by Corsica Coachworks.[2]
The Godsal featured prominently in the 1969 film Mosquito Squadron.[3]
The car featured more recently in an episode of the MotorTrend programme Chasing Classic Cars with Wayne Carini where it was completely re-restored at Carini's F40 Motorsports in Connecticut.[4][5]
Re-restored at F40 Motorsports after its original purchase by Bob Morris in 2017 for $203,500 including premium,[6] it took top prize in the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance of 2020.[7]
It was auctioned at Amelia on 20 May 2021 by Bonhams, but was unsold after a high bid of $620,000 that did not meet the reserve price;[8] however, it was later sold that day by Bonhams for an undisclosed amount.[9][10]
References
- ^ "The story of the Godsal", Sidgwick, A., Thoroughbred & Classic Cars March 1977, pp 36-40
- ^ "Bonhams : 1935 GODSAL SPORTS TOURER Chassis no. 001". bonhams.com. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Godsal V8 in "Mosquito Squadron"". imcdb.org. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Great Godsal! - S16.E5". imdb.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "Great Godsal! Season 16 Episode 5". philo.com. Philo. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "1935 GODSAL SPORTS TOURER Coachwork by Corsica Chassis no. 001 Sold for US$203,500 inc. premium". cars.bonhams.com. Bonhams. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "LIMITED TIME ONLY! SEE THIS ONE AND ONLY 1935 GODSAL!". stahlsauto.com. Stahls Auto. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "1935 Godsal Sports Corsica VIN: 1 $620,000 High bid May 20, 2021". hagerty.com. The Hagerty Group, LLC. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Godsal 001 in Chasing Classic Cars". cars.bonhams.com. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "3 cars up for auction at Amelia Island that you didn't know existed". hagerty.com. The Hagerty Group, LLC. Retrieved 28 April 2025.