Visit to Crossle Cars

Founded back in 1957 it's the world's longest-established constructor of racing cars.

With some 25 members eagerly attending we were made very welcome by its long-time Crossle customer/enthusiast and now owner and Manager Paul McMorran. Stepping into the tidy workshops we were brought back to the 60's with the smell of machine oil and brazing smoke in the air and the fabric of the building untouched for 60+ years.

Paul explained in detail how the chassis were individually jigged, bent and brazed together to give ultimate strength and lightness. Radiators, wiring looms, wishbones, suspension, fibreglass bodies all made in-house by their competent workforce. Paul showed us how the cars had developed from the Crossle 12F to the legendry 16F,the fast 19F and the famous 25F. He showed us the very car that won the 1968 SCCA in America which revolutionised racing over there. Crossles overseas orders poured in with some 100 cars built every year. Paul joked that America could put a man on the moon in the 60's but it took this small company in Holywood NI to show them how to build a racing car.

Paul joined us later for an excellent dinner and chat at nearby Holywood Golf Club, home of the famous golfer Rory McIlroy, another export from this small island.