Bingham Renault Gordini Race Car

350manx · 27th June 2005, 09:38 AM

Does anyone know much about the Bingham Renault Gordini race car? I had to chance to buy it, and didn't, it's still available and it seems to be haunting me a bit. It was built in the late 60s I think and has a state hill climb record or two to its' credit. Absolutely georgous to look at and still in the French Blue but in need of a full restoration. The sound of that Gordini engine is music to the ears. Is there much out there about it?

Simon · 27th June 2005, 09:59 AM

It seems to be a fairly well publicised car, with various reports in the contemporary press of Murray Bingham winning again in his Renault.

350manx · 27th June 2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon

It seems to be a fairly well publicised car, with various reports in the contemporary press of Murray Bingham winning again in his Renault.

Yes the current owner has a couple of magazines articles along with the CAMS log book and other bits and pieces and I believe Murray Bingham is still with us in NSW somewhere.

350manx · 27th June 2005, 12:36 PM

I knew I had some photos somewhere.

350manx · 27th June 2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 350manx

I knew I had some photos somewhere.

Mmmmm Thought I had captured a couple and uploaded them...obviously didn't they're a bit large apparently. Bit of a ludite really I'll have to work on that!

Peter J Kent · 11th July 2005, 08:29 PM

Murry is going and has a house in coffs harbour. At pressent he is travelling the country in a mobile home.If you change your mind on the car i'd love a chance at owning it.as i'm the vice president of his old club Grafton sporting car club. cheers peter kent

350manx · 12th July 2005, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter J Kent

Murry is going and has a house in coffs harbour. At pressent he is travelling the country in a mobile home.If you change your mind on the car i'd love a chance at owning it.as i'm the vice president of his old club Grafton sporting car club. cheers peter kent

Peter,

It's still in the mixing bowl. As I have gotten older I have unfortunately become practical (dull!) and search for a reason to own something such as this whereas years ago these decisions were determined by passion (hasn't that gotten us into some trouble in the past?) and the heart. I would love to buy it, have the resources to do so - just need to take the step. Will let you know.
Cheers David.

renweave · 14th July 2005, 11:41 AM

Which model Gordini is it? Dauphine or R8?

alpinesau · 14th July 2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renweave

Which model Gordini is it? Dauphine or R8?

It has an R1134 motor bored out to be about 1400c.c.

Colin Starke had a look at it last week.

Robert

kiwia110 · 15th July 2005, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinesau

It has an R1134 motor bored out to be about 1400c.c.

Colin Starke had a look at it last week.

Robert

Would it be rhat there are some photos and tech info on this car?

Ray Bell · 15th July 2005, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 350manx
Mmmmm Thought I had captured a couple and uploaded them...obviously didn't they're a bit large apparently. Bit of a ludite really I'll have to work on that!

Send them to me and I'll fix that for you... raybell@ramojan.com

I actually bought something from the Murray Bingham stable myself... the trailer on which he carted the Porsche-chassised device around. This car was fitted with a Chevy V8 from a F5000 and won even more for him. He towed it around with a Rambler.

That trailer carted more Peugeots than you can count... man it did some work!

Jim-T · 15th July 2005, 08:30 AM

Was it this Renault that was around the Newcastle area in the late 60's -70's. I can remember seeing a highly modified Renault 750 being tested at the Mt.Sugarloaf Go Kart circuit, from memory it was light green , huge wheels , flared guards and I thought it had a holden motor mounted midcar, may be wrong on this. I know the marks it left on the main straight remained there for a long time. Love to see some photo's.
Welcome back Ray.

Ray Bell · 15th July 2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks...

In the report on the Robertson Hillclimb in early 1970, Peter Finlay wrote:

"Murray Bingham has finally clothed his indecently fast Renault platform device in a Manx Mirage body. This 1500cc machine scurried up the hill in 33.56, an absolutely fantastic time and fifth fastest car on the day. Second [in the sports car classes] was Ted Proctor's Manx with a blown Climax engine on 34.08. Ray Strong's Elfin Mallala was third with 34.91 - all very close together. Ian Hume resurrected the old Hamilton 1500 to score a very good 36.13."

I found no mention of Murray through the 1969 series at all, so (as he was running with the outright racing cars, which were fastest at the above climb with the winner scoring a 30.14) I guess he was lost in the melee of also-rans.

Murray won the sports car title in NSW that year, even competing at the final hillclimb round at Silverdale on the same day as he won the final round of the NSW Motorkhana Championship at Bungool picnic grounds... if I'm not mistaken, that's down Dapto way and about 100kms from Silverdale. He ran one run at Silverdale early, then returned late in the day for a final try, taking the class easily though still about five seconds off the winning run for racing cars.

Along the way he had actually won one event outright... the Grafton round, where it seems that the very fastest had stayed away. All the same, it was an incredible performance, as he was only just shy of beating the outright climb record held by Colin Bond.

Though he didn't win the sports car category per se in the Australian Championship (a single event at Mt Cotton, Brisbane), he did take the Group A sports car class just two tenths slower than Glynn Scott's best in a Lotus Elan. But he had an excuse... he had to run a 'near-stock' 1100cc Gordini engine because his 1500 had died on him. All the same, in his class he beat 'Porky' Chapman, visiting from the USA with his Mk 6 Merlyn fitted with a Ford twin-cam.

This was his last appearance in the Bingham Renault... from then on he ran the Porsche-chassised car, first with Ford power (289 IIRC) and then with an ex-Gary Campbell F5000 Alan Smith Chev.

Ray Bell · 18th July 2005, 11:03 AM

Looks remarkably original if they're recent photos... check them out...

350manx · 18th July 2005, 11:07 AM

[quote=Ray Bell]Looks remarkably original if they're recent photos... check them out...

Ray I took these within the last 12 months and as far as I know the car is still the same. David,

Ray Bell · 18th July 2005, 01:36 PM

Then it's is remarkably original... the only thing I wouldn't be sure of is the roll bar... that looks like an addition, which would no doubt be because the rules changed about 1972 that sports cars had to have full width roll bars.

kiwia110 · 19th July 2005, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Bell

Then it's is remarkably original... the only thing I wouldn't be sure of is the roll bar... that looks like an addition, which would no doubt be because the rules changed about 1972 that sports cars had to have full width roll bars.

Looks like the sort of car that a Renault nut shold own AND USE! Is it available or is one of you guys going to do something?

edgedweller · 19th July 2005, 02:59 AM

Thanks Ray.

ed ge

Ray Bell · 19th July 2005, 03:53 PM

Think practically nothing of it...

Peter J Kent · 27th July 2005, 09:11 PM

It's shure one sweet little beasty i'm droolin on my keyboard. Dont forget to let me know if you decide to leave it dave!
regards peter.

350manx · 29th July 2005, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter J Kent

It's shure one sweet little beasty i'm droolin on my keyboard. Dont forget to let me know if you decide to leave it dave!
regards peter.

Hi Peter,
The landscape has changed a bit. The owner is after a Massey 35 diesel tractor (that I have in the shed and in pieces and don't need anymore) and is talking about a deal there. I'm not sure what I'm doing yet but wil have a clearer picture next week.Trying not to be too mysterious here!!
Regards, David.

350manx · 9th August 2005, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter J Kent

It's shure one sweet little beasty i'm droolin on my keyboard. Dont forget to let me know if you decide to leave it dave!
regards peter.

Peter,

I have decided against the Bingham (Can't believe I'm typing this!) Ring the owner, Graham Robb on (02) 6026 2365 and talk to him. He lives just north of Albury. I forgot to mention the original fully enclosed trailer is in the deal as well but like the Bingham, it also will need a birthday. I think he was initially asking about $12,000 but you need to talk to him as I have a feeling he may be flexible on that. There are also some spares.

I have other photos somewhere of it and I'm happy if you want to give me a call.

Good luck and sorry this dragged on a bit.

David.

350manx · 21st August 2005, 09:40 AM

No one interested in this??

It looks like it might be going to Queensland if you don't strike soon. A pretty little car but the interest seems to have gone flat. Too pricey?
BTW I have no financial interest in this little racer at all, would just like to see this go to a good home.

David.

AU-YT · 21st August 2005, 01:18 PM

Hi guys
the basis for the car in question is a MANX. I know this as I know where there two more one in Gosford the other or the majority of is in my garage.
Sady I forget the name of the guy whom built these. The one I have was an unfinished project and the chassis is covered in surface rust. the body is in out of the mould state but modified to look like an ELFIN 400.

350manx · 22nd August 2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU-YT

Hi guys
the basis for the car in question is a MANX. I know this as I know where there two more one in Gosford the other or the majority of is in my garage.
Sady I forget the name of the guy whom built these. The one I have was an unfinished project and the chassis is covered in surface rust. the body is in out of the mould state but modified to look like an ELFIN 400.

Yep,

I think you may be right about the body but to say the basis of the car is a MANX I think is possibly wrong as all the running gear, including chassis, steering, suspensions (and engine/gearbox of course) etc. is Renault. So I would contend the basis of the car is Renault! Spliting hairs??

27th June 2005, 09:38 AM	#1
350manx Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kiewa Valley, North East Victoria. Member#: 5226 Posts: 100 Frog Shots: 0	Bingham Renault Gordini Race Car Does anyone know much about the Bingham Renault Gordini race car? I had to chance to buy it, and didn't, it's still available and it seems to be haunting me a bit. It was built in the late 60s I think and has a state hill climb record or two to its' credit. Absolutely georgous to look at and still in the French Blue but in need of a full restoration. The sound of that Gordini engine is music to the ears. Is there much out there about it?

14th July 2005, 11:41 AM	#8
renweave Fellow Frogger! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Canberra Member#: 845 Posts: 385 Frog Shots: 0	Which model Gordini is it? Dauphine or R8? __________________ 1976 Renault 12 1.4 wagon (Bright yellow) 1998 P306 XSi (Bianca White) 1970s Peugeot Mixte bicycle (white) 1970s Peugeot folding bicycle (white) 1970s Peugeot Gents bikes (in need of some work)

15th July 2005, 08:30 AM	#12
Jim-T Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Maitland Member#: 664 Posts: 30 Frog Shots: 0	Bingham Renault Was it this Renault that was around the Newcastle area in the late 60's -70's. I can remember seeing a highly modified Renault 750 being tested at the Mt.Sugarloaf Go Kart circuit, from memory it was light green , huge wheels , flared guards and I thought it had a holden motor mounted midcar, may be wrong on this. I know the marks it left on the main straight remained there for a long time. Love to see some photo's. Welcome back Ray. __________________ Jim-T

15th July 2005, 02:16 PM	#13
Ray Bell Gone Fishin' Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Burpengary and Murrumburrah, Qld and NSW Member#: 289 Posts: 9,344 Frog Shots: 0	Thanks... In the report on the Robertson Hillclimb in early 1970, Peter Finlay wrote: "Murray Bingham has finally clothed his indecently fast Renault platform device in a Manx Mirage body. This 1500cc machine scurried up the hill in 33.56, an absolutely fantastic time and fifth fastest car on the day. Second [in the sports car classes] was Ted Proctor's Manx with a blown Climax engine on 34.08. Ray Strong's Elfin Mallala was third with 34.91 - all very close together. Ian Hume resurrected the old Hamilton 1500 to score a very good 36.13." I found no mention of Murray through the 1969 series at all, so (as he was running with the outright racing cars, which were fastest at the above climb with the winner scoring a 30.14) I guess he was lost in the melee of also-rans. Murray won the sports car title in NSW that year, even competing at the final hillclimb round at Silverdale on the same day as he won the final round of the NSW Motorkhana Championship at Bungool picnic grounds... if I'm not mistaken, that's down Dapto way and about 100kms from Silverdale. He ran one run at Silverdale early, then returned late in the day for a final try, taking the class easily though still about five seconds off the winning run for racing cars. Along the way he had actually won one event outright... the Grafton round, where it seems that the very fastest had stayed away. All the same, it was an incredible performance, as he was only just shy of beating the outright climb record held by Colin Bond. Though he didn't win the sports car category per se in the Australian Championship (a single event at Mt Cotton, Brisbane), he did take the Group A sports car class just two tenths slower than Glynn Scott's best in a Lotus Elan. But he had an excuse... he had to run a 'near-stock' 1100cc Gordini engine because his 1500 had died on him. All the same, in his class he beat 'Porky' Chapman, visiting from the USA with his Mk 6 Merlyn fitted with a Ford twin-cam. This was his last appearance in the Bingham Renault... from then on he ran the Porsche-chassised car, first with Ford power (289 IIRC) and then with an ex-Gary Campbell F5000 Alan Smith Chev. Last edited by Ray Bell; 15th July 2005 at 02:21 PM..

21st August 2005, 01:18 PM	#24
AU-YT Fellow Frogger! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sydney Member#: 1301 View My Members Gallery! Posts: 328 Frog Shots: 0	Its a MANX Hi guys the basis for the car in question is a MANX. I know this as I know where there two more one in Gosford the other or the majority of is in my garage. Sady I forget the name of the guy whom built these. The one I have was an unfinished project and the chassis is covered in surface rust. the body is in out of the mould state but modified to look like an ELFIN 400.

27th June 2005, 09:59 AM	#2
Simon Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Adelaide Member#: 41 Posts: 7,302 Frog Shots: 0	It seems to be a fairly well publicised car, with various reports in the contemporary press of Murray Bingham winning again in his Renault.

27th June 2005, 12:36 PM	#4
350manx Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kiewa Valley, North East Victoria. Member#: 5226 Posts: 100 Frog Shots: 0	I knew I had some photos somewhere.

11th July 2005, 08:29 PM	#6
Peter J Kent Fellow Frogger! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Grafton/NSW/Australia Member#: 3969 Posts: 282 Frog Shots: 0	Murry is going and has a house in coffs harbour. At pressent he is travelling the country in a mobile home.If you change your mind on the car i'd love a chance at owning it.as i'm the vice president of his old club Grafton sporting car club. cheers peter kent

18th July 2005, 11:03 AM	#14
Ray Bell Gone Fishin' Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Burpengary and Murrumburrah, Qld and NSW Member#: 289 Posts: 9,344 Frog Shots: 0	Looks remarkably original if they're recent photos... check them out...

18th July 2005, 11:07 AM	#15
350manx Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kiewa Valley, North East Victoria. Member#: 5226 Posts: 100 Frog Shots: 0	[quote=Ray Bell]Looks remarkably original if they're recent photos... check them out... Ray I took these within the last 12 months and as far as I know the car is still the same. David,

18th July 2005, 01:36 PM	#16
Ray Bell Gone Fishin' Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Burpengary and Murrumburrah, Qld and NSW Member#: 289 Posts: 9,344 Frog Shots: 0	Then it's is remarkably original... the only thing I wouldn't be sure of is the roll bar... that looks like an addition, which would no doubt be because the rules changed about 1972 that sports cars had to have full width roll bars.

19th July 2005, 02:59 AM	#18
edgedweller 2000+ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: ADELAIDE SA Member#: 2984 Posts: 7,563 Frog Shots: 0	Thanks Ray. ed ge

19th July 2005, 03:53 PM	#19
Ray Bell Gone Fishin' Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Burpengary and Murrumburrah, Qld and NSW Member#: 289 Posts: 9,344 Frog Shots: 0	Think practically nothing of it...

27th July 2005, 09:11 PM	#20
Peter J Kent Fellow Frogger! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Grafton/NSW/Australia Member#: 3969 Posts: 282 Frog Shots: 0	It's shure one sweet little beasty i'm droolin on my keyboard. Dont forget to let me know if you decide to leave it dave! regards peter.

21st August 2005, 09:40 AM	#23
350manx Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kiewa Valley, North East Victoria. Member#: 5226 Posts: 100 Frog Shots: 0	No one interested in this?? It looks like it might be going to Queensland if you don't strike soon. A pretty little car but the interest seems to have gone flat. Too pricey? BTW I have no financial interest in this little racer at all, would just like to see this go to a good home. David.

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