RA4 Vanguard

The RA4 Vanguard, built in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1950/51, made its debut at the 1951 Lady Wigram International meeting. At a time when front-engine layouts dominated Grand Prix racing, the RA4 was ahead of its time with a revolutionary mid-engine design – something only seen in the new 500cc Formula Three cars of the era.

Its front suspension took inspiration from Auto Union but used rubber shock cords instead of conventional springs, a method widely used in aircraft landing gear. The rear setup was equally unconventional, featuring a low-pivot swing axle arrangement with hydraulic oleo struts repurposed from the tail wheels of P-40 Kittyhawk fighter aircraft. Adjustments could even be made from the cockpit using a system of pulleys and levers.

Power came from a highly modified Standard Vanguard engine, featuring larger head studs, a cross-drilled crankshaft, and a bespoke camshaft designed and ground by Hec Green. A pair of SU carburetors fed the engine, with forced induction provided by an aircraft cabin blower, chain-driven from the crankshaft to deliver 14 pounds of boost. Running on a methanol blend and utilising water injection to combat detonation, the engine produced over 200bhp.

The RA4 also featured a unique in-house-designed three-speed sequential transaxle, which proved more than capable of handling the power – so much so that it remains in the car today.

Despite limited development, the RA4 performed well at both international and domestic events in New Zealand between 1951 and 1960, securing victories in the International Lady Wigram Trophy (1951, 1952, 1953, 1958, and 1960), various road circuits, and the New Zealand Beach Racing Championship. However, by the end of the decade, it was ultimately outclassed by the emerging rear-engined Coopers.