1950 Dellow Mk. 1 Built in County Leitrim | Season 4 – Episode 98 – IRELAND MADE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Wheels Dec 24, 2024
Recently, we travelled to the north of Ireland to admire a unique car—a Mk.1 Dellow, notable for being built in County Leitrim in northwest Ireland in 1950. We enjoyed a delightful afternoon with its owner, Simon Thomas, a longtime motor racing enthusiast and collector of historic Irish racing cars. Simon’s passion for motorsports stems from his parents, with his father racing and commentating and his mother serving as an international timekeeper.
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THE LAIRD FAMILY
Raymond Laird the owner of the Dellow was a member of the innovative Laird family, pioneering industrial development in Co. Leitrim since 1825. The Laird’s excelled in jam manufacturing, milling, and notably generated electricity for Drumshambo in 1929—26 years before the ESB Rural Electrification Scheme. They also ran a motor garage and bought Leitrim’s first car in 1902 (a Wolseley registration ‘IT 1’).
Check out our previous story on the Laird family’s passion for cars
A CAR BUILT FOR A JOB
Founded in 1949 by Ken Dellingpole and Ron Lowe, Dellow built versatile sports cars at Alvechurch, England. With Ford engines and running gear, they were designed primarily for trials—challenging off-road competitions—yet proved capable on the road. About 500 cars were produced and Dellow cars dominated rally trials in the 1950s, and some were even raced. Their slogan said it all: “A car which is built for a job – and does it!”
C.K.D. KIT
The car entered the Republic of Ireland as a Complete Knocked-Down (CKD) kit, which Raymond Laird assembled at his Drumshambo garage for motorsport trials. He kept it until 1954, achieving considerable success, before passing it on to Belfast student Irwin Catherwood.
PREVIOUS OWNERS
Billy Reid, a friend of Simon’s father, next owned the car. It then passed through several short-term owners, including one from Enniskillen who was later the road manager of the 1980s pop group Foreigner. Mark Kennedy restored the Dellow in the late ’90s.
Simon Thomas was the next owner and the first job he undertook was to replace the Ford E93A engine with a Ford 1100cc engine. Today the Dellow is still successfully competing at motor and navigation trails.
DELLOW LIKE TO DRIVE?
When asked about drivability, Simon described it as tractable, though chilly that November day, and a good all-around motor car with solid steering and handling. He praised the suspension, which he overhauled with new dampers, and the rebuilt steering box that now feels nicely positive. It rides well uphill. However, second gear just jumps out, while reverse is fine. The windscreen height is perfect, and, as Simon says of his Mk.1 Dellow, “he likes it.”
ENGINE REBUILD
Over the last year, the engine was rebuilt and gently run in, mostly by Simon. Upcoming work includes an oil change and other essentials. However, when driving this 74-year-old car, Simon stresses sticking to 50 mph on the motorway, as current gearing causes serious strain. Though he considered a different gearbox, that involves complex torque tube work. Instead, he accepts its 50 mph on the motorway.
The original Ford E93A engine was “absolutely gutless” according to Simon and was replaced by a 45 hp Ford 100E engine and rebuilt by friend, Terry Murphy. The 100E engine has the advantage of a water pump and oil filter. The setup is further improved with Aquaplane manifolds and twin SU carbs, which give a good performance.
NOT FOR TALL PEOPLE
At 6ft 2”, this author could barely fold himself into the car, which wasn’t designed for tall people! Its former owner, Irwin Catherwood, was smaller and found it a perfect fit. He drove the Dellow every day in the 1950s. With only a basic roof, no side windows, doors, or heater, it demanded real determination to use all year round!
If you have an idea for a story, email Kevin Reid [email protected]
