“Fred” Lester Ray always had the ambition to build his own racing car. When he had enough money, he asked his friend Derek Matthews of ARK Racing to design a 2-seaster Group 6 Sports car.
The car was build around a basic tubular chassis from Arch Motors. Derek and Fred made the centre section with aluminium to produce a semi-monocoque car.The car had a distinctive wedge =shaped body. Derek designed and build the front suspension and brakes.
Initially the car was powered with an ex F3 Cosworth MAE engine from Felday engineering. It was linked to a classic Hewland 5-speed gearbox. There was a 100 litre fuel tank. Dunlop CR 65 tyres were used.
After testing, the car made his race debut at Oulton Park in October 1971. Driver was Paul Chambers. He finished 5th and had the fastest practice lap. The next day at Thruxton, he finished 8th.
Money was tight. In 1974 a 2000 cc Ford Cosworth engine was fitted. And now, Fred called the car the “Vogue”, type SP1. A new driver joined the team: Richard Jenvey, a Lotus Elan driver. The car participated in some UK races and participated in two Euro 2L Sportscar events (Brands Hatch, Hockenheim).
Lack of funds and persistent engine problems were the problem. Some changes could be made for 1976 and the car was now a Vogue SP2. Jenvey won a race at Knockhill and with a hired 1850cc BDA engine, he won a sportscar race at Zolder, Belgium.
The engine problems were a returning thing, so Fred and Richard Jenvey went on and let Derek Matthews free. There was now room to participate in the interserie in 1977 and two Worls Championship races (Dijon and Paul Ricard).
In 1980, the Vogue car reappeared in the World Endurance Championship in the hands of David Mercer. He entered the car in some events in 1980 – 1981 and 1982.
After that he raced at two Thundersport races in 1985 and 1988.
In a "for Sale" ad.
