Manufactured by David Ogle Limited of
Letchworth made during 1962 and 1963, based on the first 997cc Mini Coopers using
part
of the bulkhead, floor pan, inner wings, sub-frame,
suspension, steering, engine and gearbox. The remainder was all specially
sourced and the body shell is of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP)
BMC refused to supply parts for
construction. New cars were bought by clients and after six months (to
avoid purchase tax) sent to Ogle where the upper body panels and interior
were discarded and replaced plus an internal refit. The
cars were exported world-wide, 39 remain on the Ogle register with
examples existing in Japan, Germany, Sweden, France and the USA as well as
the UK where 8 remain roadworthy.
The car cost £1190 when new. Ogle were
the designers for other manufacturers and industrial products, the most
famous being the Reliant Scimitar which was a derivative of the Sabre and
originally an Ogle SX250, a design commissioned by Daimler to re-body the
ungainly styling of the Daimler SP250 Sports Coupe.
I would like
to thank Mr Geoff Hunter, who introduced me to this wonderful vehicle
and with out any trepidation one Sunday afternoon let me loose with his
treasured possession. I dedicate this web site to Geoff who is a committed
classic car enthusiast and an all round nice bloke.
