1935 Aston Martin Ulster - Prince Bira

• Registration: UK registered

• Chassis number: D5/ 569/ S

• Engine number: D5/ 569/ S

• Works Ulster Engine

About the car:

BWE 140 is a rare Aston Martin Mk II Factory fitted with a 1, 492cc Ulster specification engine. Ordered in 1935, the car was upgraded during construction with the former Works Ulster TT engine used by Prince Bira, and rebuilt by Aston Martin before installation. The first owner Mr. Flather successfully campaigned the car in rallies and hill climbs, earning Second in Class Awards in both the 1936 and 1937 RAC Rallies and competing in the 1936 Scottish Six Days Trial.

Performance:

The Ulster engine fitted to BWE 140 came from Prince Bira’s 1935 Ulster TT car. The engine is a 1. 5 litre inline 4 cylinder, Single Overhead Camshaft producing approximately 80hp. As one of only five Ulster engined Aston Martin Mk II touring cars built, BWE 140 is an exceptionally rare example.

Rare vehicle:

After being resold in 1937, BWE 140 disappeared from public view for many years before being rediscovered in Cornwall. It was restored by Norman Brock and won First Prize at the Yeovil Festival of Motoring in 1981. Later owner Geoffrey Godber-Ford carried out a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment, including a full engine rebuild, brake overhaul, reupholstered black Connolly leather interior, renewed chromework, and a repaint. Today the Aston proudly wears "Prince Bira blue" paintwork and carries the famous White Mouse Racing emblem, a white mouse and Siamese flag motif that served as the team's mascot during the 1935 racing season.