The 1959 BMC 5-Ton Race Transporter: A Competition Department Giant

Its story actually began away from the racetrack. In 1959, the British Motor Corporation commissioned approximately 20 5-ton PSV chassis as mobile service schools, intended to travel around the dealer network training mechanics on BMC products, including the newly introduced front-wheel-drive Mini. The distinctive bodywork was styled by Pinin Farina and constructed by Marshall’s of Cambridge, using lightweight aluminium coachwork.

The vehicle that later became associated with BMC’s famous Abingdon Competitions Department was one of the earliest examples. Originally registered as BMC 25, it was subsequently loaned to the competition operation and even travelled to Australia in BMC service. Another transporter, BMC 34, became particularly well known as a race car carrier, with an extended rear section capable of accommodating two Mini competition cars.

Underneath the glamorous coachwork was decidedly commercial vehicle engineering: a 5.1-litre BMC six-cylinder diesel, five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox and two-speed rear axle. Yet period recollections suggest the transporter was surprisingly capable on the road, with cruising speeds said to approach 60 mph, quite something for a five-tonner of the period.

The surviving vehicle had an equally colorful second life. After leaving BMC it passed to Birmingham University and later served as a mobile booking office before eventually being abandoned in a field. Remarkably, when rediscovered after years of neglect, its aluminium bodywork had survived well enough to make restoration practical. It was subsequently rebuilt in the style of the lost BMC 34 transporter, recreating one of the most memorable support vehicles from BMC’s competition era.

Today, the BMC transporter is a fascinating reminder that some of the most charismatic machinery in motorsport history never actually took the starting flag. For collectors of competition transporters, Minis, MGs and Austin-Healeys, it is every bit as evocative as the cars it was built to support.

And there is good news for scale model collectors. Matrix is currently developing a model of the 1959 BMC 5-ton race transporter, with release expected before the end of the year.