Raymond Mays V8 classic cars for sale

History of the Raymond Mays V8

The Raymond Mays V8 originated in Bourne, the same Lincolnshire town as English Racing Automobiles (E.R.A.), and was intended as a sister road-going model paralleling the renowned E.R.A. Voiturette race cars of the late 1930s. Developed by Shelsley Motors Ltd, itself established by Raymond Mays, the vision was to transfer track-developed chassis, suspension, and engine modifications to an exclusive road sportscar. The V8 was due to be sold as the “Raymond Mays Sports” but plans for wider production were ultimately halted by the outbreak of World War II. Prior to the war, the Raymond Mays V8 impressed at the 1939 RAC Rally, underlining its blend of racing background and usability for spirited road driving.

Model History of the V8 Series

Designed to leverage E.R.A.’s motorsport expertise, the Raymond Mays V8 built on lessons from Voiturette racing with a strong sporting focus. The model was limited to only a small run due to the war, and intended successors or broader variants never came to fruition. Notably, even post-war, one of the original cars served the Berkshire Police as a rapid intervention vehicle until 1956, further testifying to its mechanical robustness and real-world capability.

Highlights of the Raymond Mays V8

The Raymond Mays V8 stood out in its era by combining an uprated Standard Flying V8 engine (2.7-litre displacement) with an E.R.A.-engineered chassis, suspension, and braking system, personally developed by Peter Berthon. With a maximum speed exceeding 100 mph—reaching up to 110 mph at Brooklands—this car outperformed most contemporaries in both speed and handling. Motorsport legends like S.C.H. Davis and Raymond Mays himself drove the early cars competitively, a rare attribute among road-legal vehicles of the period. Its performance, along with its rarity, ensures its appeal in historic rallies, vintage competitions, and shows.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Due to the extremely limited run before WWII interrupted its production, every Raymond Mays V8 is essentially a special model. There are no factory-recognised sub-series or numbered editions, however, vehicles with significant motorsport history or association with figures like S.C.H. Davis and Raymond Mays are especially valued among historians and collectors.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Given the Raymond Mays V8’s rarity, original components—especially the modified V8 engine internals, unique chassis parts, and ERA-specific suspension hardware—are extremely difficult to source. Bodywork and trim restoration, such as sourcing authentic Cambridge blue leather or correct fabric for the hood, can be especially challenging. As with other pre-war cars, careful maintenance of the electrical system and fuel delivery should be observed, and brake parts should be checked for wear specific to the period modifications. Expertise with pre-war engineering and sympathetic restoration is a must for owners.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The heart of the Raymond Mays V8 is its robust, racing-influenced 2.7-litre V8 engine, tuned beyond standard specifications for higher output and responsiveness. E.R.A. developed the car’s suspension and braking, delivering the sharp, stable handling that earned praise from period reviewers and drivers. Achieving over 100 mph—and touching 110 mph on the famed Brooklands Circuit—was exceptional for sportscars of the late 1930s. Low curb weight and clever chassis tuning mean the V8 feels agile, with feedback and dynamics rare outside dedicated motorsport machinery of its period. Notably, the Raymond Mays V8 driven in competition by S.C.H. Davis and another adopted by the Berkshire Police as a high-speed pursuit car represent the best-documented examples. These demonstrate the model’s combination of performance and durability, and their provenance ensures strong interest wherever they appear.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

True to its sports purpose, the Raymond Mays V8 used a lightweight roadster body with a signature ‘blue duck’ hood arrangement. Inside, Cambridge-blue leather upholstery signaled both sporting intent and high craftsmanship, rare among pre-war competitors. The purposeful dashboard and minimalistic interior evidenced focus on driving. Externally, the balanced proportions and clear influences from E.R.A. racecars underscored both its engineering bloodline and exclusive intended clientele. Optional accessories and special equipment lists are not extensively documented, but owners often sought period-correct tripmeters and rally gear, enhancing both usability and value to connoisseurs.

Other Relevant Features

The Raymond Mays V8’s unique status as both a rally participant and post-war police pursuit vehicle is unusual in the world of classic sportscars. Its direct links to famous racing drivers and engineers—the likes of Peter Berthon and Raymond Mays—mean each vehicle carries a significant historical legacy beyond its technical features, making it a focal point for British pre-war sports and racing enthusiasts.

Summary

The Raymond Mays V8 melds pioneering E.R.A. race engineering with rare pre-war British craftsmanship, making it a desirable—if elusive—target for discerning collectors. Limited numbers, original motorsport credentials, and a distinctly engineered character set this car apart on the classic market, resulting in strong specialist demand and a lasting reputation among British sporting machines of the 1930s.