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I realized that the photo was hard to read so I typed it out.


1968 BMC SPHYNX

An automatic winner in any "weirdest-looking" competition, the wacky BMC Sphynx was built, incredibly, for the demanding sport of hill-climbing. Competing in only a handful of events, little is known about this bizarre creation other than it was build by Gilbert & Rickard of Syon Hill Garage, in Isleworth London at the end of 1960's and was funded by the Suppan brothers of Switzerland.

Its centre wheels were driven by a Downton-tuned BMC 1,800cc "landcrab" engine, ensuring that this striking hand sculpted aluminum two seater bodied car, complete with gulwing doors, would be quick off the mark. Numerous automobiles have been constructed with a diamond pattern wheel arrangement, however the Sphynx is trapezoidal with the driving axel three-quarters toward the rear. A complicated gear mechanism was designed ensuring the front and rear (steering) wheels followed the same arc.

Several years ago the Sphynx was found in a hedge in Ipswich and a full restoration is currently planned.