A familiar sight at Formula 750 meetings in the late 1950s, ‘Sacre Bleu’ was built and raced successfully by the Toft brothers, Roger and Brian, who constructed this unique car using a 1936 Austin Seven Ruby as the basis.

The Ruby had been damaged in a fire and was purchased in 1952 from its vicar owner for £10.

At this stage the Tofts’ intention was to construct a small sports car for road use, and with this in mind the old saloon coachwork was replaced with a professionally constructed Rochdale aluminium two-seater body.

The chassis was lowered 4½” by modifying the road springs and front axle, and the steering column angled downwards to make a lower seating position possible.

Lightweight wheels with offset rims replaced the stock items at the rear, while the engine underwent mild tuning.

Three months later, having spent £150, the Tofts had a nimble road-going sports car capable of 75mph, which they used for rallies, driving tests and everyday transportation, including a holiday ...