The Cannon Trials Car

 

Although, Tasmanian Mike Cannon had originally moved to Britain as a farmer, he soon got involved in the post-WW2 trialing scene. Achieving considerable success behind the wheel of a self-modified Cotton Special, it was not long before he started making cars to his own design. Assembled at the wonderfully named Crooked Chimneys in West Peckham (Kent), the resultant Cannons were renowned for their light weight, strength and agility. Based around a spaceframe chassis (typically made from 1.75-inch o/d and 0.75-inch o/d tubing) and clothed in bare aluminium, most Cannons used Ford running gear. Available as body / chassis units or as complete cars, they provided stiff competition to the likes of Dellow winning the RAC Trials Championship and scoring numerous victories in their heyday. With total production estimated at just 100 to 120, survivors are now comparatively few and far between.

 

Some History on Different Cars

• HSU 106 was bought by Tony Rothin as a Sidevalve car, and converted by him to Crossflow power and double A-arm front suspension, the same conversion was then carried out on Brian Partridge's car (which is a genuine Cannon despite always being entered as a 'Ridge Cannon')
• BLY 250, which is the car on the Wallpaper of the Website which was taken at Camp during a Sporting trials versus the army event. The car is still owned by its constructor in France. George also built 2 UKR, the car campaigned for a while by David Dyer and now owned by Keith Newton.
• Dean Yarranton's (AHH 999B) was built in 1963 and the first owner was Eric Jackson who had quite a bit of success with it winning the 1965 RAC championship and the 1967 BTRDA Gold Star championship.I bought it last year after a tip off from Simon from John Thistlethwaite in Yorkshire, he had owned it since 1974.I spoke to Eric Jackson who is now in his mid eighties and he confirmed it was his car and he sent me some photos.Incidentely Eric was also british rally champ 1964 and BTRDA Gold Star champ 1958 in a Cannon Cotton reg RPD4. My car had the number AHE999B but i have no v5 for it now.