Flash Special

Flash Special

Albert Zains' Flash Special was, in fact, a modified Cooper Mk XI. The story goes was that this was done to enable Albert to fit but he wasn't an especially big man, had driven earlier Coopers so should have been able to fit a standard car. Albert ran a series of launderettes and dry cleaners in West London so perhaps the name derives from this? The principle change, undertaken by Coopers themselves was to widen and lengthen the cockpit area by 2 inches. Special bodywork was made to fit with a wrap around screen and a Norton engine was used. At some point in 1958, Albert had a serious accident, although the car was undamaged and Albert continued through to 1960. The Flash passed to Frank Bruce-White in 1969. A Triumph twin engine was fitted  in 1970.

Frank Bruce-White in the Flash Special in October 1995

Flash Special Oct 95.JPG (95284 bytes)

Some known results:

Brands Hatch 9th June 1957 Sporting Record Trophy, 5th in juniors

Brands Hatch 26th December 1957 Boxing Day Meeting, 3rd in juniors, 3rd in Yuletide trophy (Ian Raby)

Brands Hatch 7th April 1958, 3rd

Brands Hatch 20th April 1958, 3rd in juniors (Syd Jensen)

Silverstone 4th May 1958 Daily Express Trophy, DNF (Ian Raby)

Crystal Palace 25th May 1958, 3rd (Ian Raby)

Crystal Palace 5th July 1958 Redex Trophy, 3rd (Ian Raby)

Silverstone 19th July 1958 British Grand Prix, DNF (Ian Raby)

Brands Hatch 4th August 1958 World Sports Trophy, 8th in heat

Silverstone 9th August 1958 Commander Yorke Trophy, 3rd in petrol class

Brands Hatch 28th March 1959 World Sports Trophy, 6th in heat

Brands Hatch 12th July 1959, 7th in heat

Crystal Palace 22nd August 1959, 12th

Brands Hatch 18th April 1960, DNF

Back on track in Portimao, October 2010

Goodwood Revival September 2011

If anyone has any more details or photos, please get in touch.