Last updated on October 17, 2023
Today’s car is a 1955 HRG 1500 owned by Lex du Pont Jr. The car was originally purchased by his cousin Ernest May in 1955. Lex’s father later bought the car for his mother to drive. I photographed this car at The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum located in El Segundo, CA. The car is finished in black with a burgundy leather interior with beige carpet and tan top and tonneau cover. It is powered by a Singer 62 hp, 1.5 liter, SOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with twin single barrel downdraft SU carburetors and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with 4.11:1 rear axle. Slowing it down are hydraulic drum brakes in all 4-corners. The independent front suspension has 4-1/4 elliptical springs. The rear suspension a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
HRG was founded by Major Edward Halford, Guy Robins, and Henry Ronald Godfrey in the 1930s. The HRGs were known for their sporty characteristics and agility. Even though they are lesser known do to their rarity and low production numbers they left their mark in the history of British sports car manufacturing. HRG’s were produced from 1935 – 1955 with a total 0f 241 produced.
This example was one of the last four 1500s produced. It has a published top speed of 90 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 16.2 seconds. The MSRP was £783. What a great car to take to British car shows, Cars & Coffee events, or just taking a sporting cruise up the coast. Thank you for riding along. Frank
