Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Bevan Imp 0009.JPG
Autosport Plus
Special feature

The restored BSCC battler back in its family's hands after 50 years

The Imps of George Bevan became famous in British Saloon Car Championship competition during the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of a small band of enthusiasts, including Bevan's grandson Jonathan, one of the ex-Bill McGovern title winners has recently returned to the race track

Fifty years ago, Irishman Bill McGovern matched Australian Frank Gardner’s back-to-back British Saloon Car Championship titles. But in his case it was from the 1000cc class, driving Imps prepared by George Bevan, doyen of privateer entrants. The following season, 1972, they rewrote the history books, winning all 10 rounds to complete a resounding hat-trick – despite a frosty relationship with Chrysler’s competition department.

Bevan, from the Isle of Dogs in east London, made Chinese restaurant cookers for a living. He and his small team – who worked on both – set exemplary standards. The Lagoon Blue Imps, prepared behind his end-of-terrace council house at St Paul’s Cray, Orpington in a borrowed double garage, were class victors in 28 of the 33 BSCC races they started over the three campaigns!

Previous article Why Goodwood Revival’s revival will be an unmissable event
Next article The restorer keeping a land-speed record-holder's memory alive

More from Marcus Pye

Obituary: Special Saloons star Tony Sugden dies aged 91

Obituary: Special Saloons star Tony Sugden dies aged 91

NTNL National
Obituary: Special Saloons star Tony Sugden dies aged 91 Obituary: Special Saloons star Tony Sugden dies aged 91
Obituary: Formula Ford Festival and British F3 winner Gerrit van Kouwen dies aged 60

Obituary: Formula Ford Festival and British F3 winner Gerrit van Kouwen dies aged 60

NTNL National
Obituary: Formula Ford Festival and British F3 winner Gerrit van Kouwen dies aged 60 Obituary: Formula Ford Festival and British F3 winner Gerrit van Kouwen dies aged 60
Long-running Brighton Speed Trials event is axed amid rising costs

Long-running Brighton Speed Trials event is axed amid rising costs

NTNL National
Long-running Brighton Speed Trials event is axed amid rising costs Long-running Brighton Speed Trials event is axed amid rising costs
Club racer building V8-powered Citroen 2CV Special Saloon

Club racer building V8-powered Citroen 2CV Special Saloon

NTNL National
Club racer building V8-powered Citroen 2CV Special Saloon Club racer building V8-powered Citroen 2CV Special Saloon
Memorable moments from the 2023 national racing season

Memorable moments from the 2023 national racing season

NTNL National
Memorable moments from the 2023 national racing season Memorable moments from the 2023 national racing season
Skoda Special Saloon star John Turner dies aged 81

Skoda Special Saloon star John Turner dies aged 81

NTNL National
Skoda Special Saloon star John Turner dies aged 81 Skoda Special Saloon star John Turner dies aged 81
Five key elements to watch at the 2023 Goodwood Revival

Five key elements to watch at the 2023 Goodwood Revival

HIST Historics
Five key elements to watch at the 2023 Goodwood Revival Five key elements to watch at the 2023 Goodwood Revival
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force

How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force

Plus
Plus
HIST Historics
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe