1953 WM Holden Racer

Left hand side view. The WM Holden Cooper Bristol passed through numerous hands and in many forms during its life as a race car. It is most significant for its connection to Jack Myers, a legend in the history of Australian motor racing.

In 1956 Myers purchased the green damaged Cooper Bristol. With the assistance of Merve Waggott, an engineer, Myers re-modified the vehicle. It was refitted with an engine of Waggott’s conception onto a Holden 6 cylinder engine block. Myers painted it orange because his wife insisted she be able to spot his car on the racetrack.

It was renamed the WM Special. WM stands for Waggott Myers. The WM Special was in several race meets, including the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in 1956. A few years later, during a practice drive at Bathurst in October 1960, Myers drove the Special into a ditch, damaging the chassis and suspension beyond repair.

In 1962 Syd Fisher purchased the remains of the WM Special and fitted it with a Chevrolet Corvette engine along with many other reparations. Over the next few years the vehicle passed through several hands and in 1972 was rebuilt by volunteers at the National Motor Museum following the original specifications of the 1956 WM Special, including the Waggott engine.

The repaired vehicle made its return to the track at the 2000 Australian Grand Prix.