Richard Pugh's Sebring Replica
Otherwise known as "Kermie"
I first met Richard and his wife Liz on our first major historic rally with JJO in 1993, ~ the Targa Rusticana. The "Rallying Pughs" were already rally competitors with some experience. Kermie did her first big event in 1991 starting from Berlin on The Monte Carlo Challenge and took to the forests in the last RAC Rally that historics were permitted. Other events include The Grand Atlas Rally in their MGA, through to The East African Safari rally in their Volvo Amazon.
Brushing many years of dust off Kermie in 1998 and inspired by the Sebrings at The Goodwood Revival, Richard approached Brian Archer to rebuild Kermie with a Fastback Sebring body and Monza bonnet.
The plan was to do a full season in hill climbs and sprints in 2007. The rebuild took rather longer than anticipated and the car was eventually presented for the Healey Clubs test day in Curborough in the Spring of 2008 with Brian and I in attendance.
The car retains it’s 998 engine but with the help of the handicapper Richard has enjoyed some success in The AH Clubs Sprint Series winning the Phil Meek A series trophy in 2010.
You may like to read Richard's story of Kermie's run to Monte Carlo:
Kermie back in 1965 when owned by John Hobbs
On the Targa back in 1993
Kermie awaits rebuild
Being stripped to its shell
Sad shell after sand-blasting
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Roll-cage fitted |
With Fastback body on |
Newly painted and ready for re-assembly |
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Roadworthy once more |
The power plant |
lovely rear end |
Mason, Pugh & Archer |
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at Curborough test day, Spring 2008 |
Silverstone |
Prescott |
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