MGB works test & development car '2 GLL'

[MG Rover Sport]

Does anybody know anything about the MGB works test & development car, registered '2 GLL' please?

From a quick www search, I have found a Bonhams auction listing dating back to June 2005 at Goodwood, which states...

The ex-John ‘Baggy’ Sach/Alex Poole/Roger Enever
1963 MGB Competition Roadster '2 GLL'

This MGB is best known for its giant-killing performance in the Ilford Films 500 race at Brands Hatch on 8th May 1966, when Roger Enever and Alec Poole finished third overall ahead of a star-studded field that included several E-Types, a Ferrari 250LM and a Porsche 904, beaten only by a 7-litre Cobra and a Ford GT40. The MGB - number ‘25’ - completed 167 laps at 73.38mph and was lying 2nd at one point. In the previous year’s Guards 1000 at Brands Hatch, the car had been driven by its owner John Sach and Enever, finishing 3rd in Class and in the top 12 in two heats of this ‘scratch’ event.

All the above is reaffirmed on a separate history sheet and is verifiable by race reports and contemporary photographs. There are many contemporary shots on file and a copy of the June ’66 edition of MG Safety Fast where ‘2 GLL’ is mentioned and illustrated.

The vehicle possesses an FIA Historic Vehicle ID form (no. 168) inspected by the HSCC and approved in July 1983. The accompanying HSCC Vehicle ID form, dated May 1983 and issued to a previous owner Mr Neville Marriner, ratifies the car as ‘Group: Classic Sports, Category: GT to 3,000cc’. Marriner states that the car was restored to original specification by Sid and Malcolm Beer (well known competition MG specialists). The car also comes with original old-style logbook stating that it was originally blue (pale blue - backed up by contemporary shots), changing to black with blue top in 1965.

‘2 GLL’ was first registered to John ‘Baggy’ Sach in August 1963. The FIA form under ‘history’ mentions John (Baggy) Sach and also Alec Poole and Roger Enever, stating: “One previous owner (to Marriner), John (Baggy) Sach, reg. Aug 1963, came into my (Marriner) possession in Jan 1983.” Two scrutineers’ labels are attached to the car: Silverstone May 1983, Goodwood June 1983, which may well be when this historic MGB was last raced. The vehicle is offered with Swansea V5.

Sold for £17,825 inc. premium

Well, I have recently acquired the following 6.5" x 8.5" B&W press photo which the reverse has ink-stamped...

"Quote Negative Nº 130261
The British Motor Corporation Ltd.
Cowley, Oxford"

...and I would dearly like to identify the circuit, the event, driver(s), and the result if anybody can help. If the auction listing is true '2 GLL' changed from pale blue to black in 1965, so this would confirm that the photo was taken prior to that date. As well as it's Sach, Evener and Poole history, it is nice to see that this car also went on to be owned by such modern renowned MG racers and collectors such as Neville Marriner, Syd & Malcolm Beer, etc.

Who? What? Where? When?...

[terence]

Unfortunately the car pictured no longer exists! All that reins is the number plate.
It was indeed finished in Black with the h/top painted Ice Blue Metalic (often used on Healeys).
The present car was sold to my ex employer, Arthur Carter, owner of the Restoration shop I managed for him, Arthur bought the car through Barry Sider-Smith just after it had been reshelled and minus all the goodies-standard engine with a weber slapped on it.Standard g/box etc etc, so was devoid of any works 'numbers'.I used the car for a couple of days just to shake it down and remember it being terribly slow and heavey, it didnt handle well or do anything properly, just a road car in fact.
Arthur hated the h/colour so we decided to repaint it in black, made it look better but no other work was performed on the car whilst it was in the collection.It must have been the for around 12 years before being put up for auction.It was NEVER the over developed 2.1 ltr engined car it is now!! So, works car???

[Andy Clegg]

Think that was Brands Hatch. The corner is Surtees heading out onto the GP Circuit.