Cadwell Park. 2 July 2018.
Well attended with plenty of strange and unfamiliar (to me) cars, Round 3 of the Vintage Sports-Car Clubs “Formula Vintage” event at Cadwell Park made a refreshing change from the modern stuff.
Mark Walker’s absolutely brilliant GN Thunderbug caught my eye with its unique appearance as I wandered through the paddock.
It has a patina on it and it’s taken nearly 30 years to get that look with stubborn stains. I go over it with an oily rag and some WD40. There is a bit of paint missing on the top where I barrel rolled it at Phoenix Park about 20 years ago.
Motorsport News 15 Aug 2018
The 4.2 litre vee-twin engine revs to just 1600 rpm taking it to a maximum speed of around 90 mph. The barrels are from a V12 radial aero engine and the transmission is 4 speed chain drive. Only the rear wheels have brakes. Mark also drives it on the roads.
It was amazing to watch the sideways entertainment in the Frazer Nash / GN race. I can’t begin to explain the sight and sound of the Thunderbug – it just makes you smile!
Theres an excellent video on the Goodwood Road and Racing youtube channel of Mark Walker talking about and driving the Thunderbug here.
A.M. Photoblog 
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