Ecurie Ecosse Race Car Transporter Model – The Iconic “Blue Chariot of Champions”

Forever intertwined with the legendary Flag Blue Metallic Jaguars that dominated race circuits in the 1950s and 60s, this unique vehicle, often referred to as a “space-age transporter”, is not just a carrier; it’s a symbol of innovation, teamwork, and the passionate pursuit of motorsport glory.

Ecurie Ecosse, meaning “Scotland Stable” (more accurately “Scotland Team”), was founded in November 1951 by David Murray, a charismatic Edinburgh-based chartered accountant, publican, and wine merchant. Inspired by the structure of Scuderia Ferrari, Murray’s vision was to create a team fuelled by wealthy amateurs and their sports cars, tapping into the rich seam of local Scottish talent. Ecurie Ecosse quickly established a winning formula.

Operating initially out of a tiny backstreet garage in Edinburgh’s Merchiston Mews, the team began with three identical blue Jaguar XK120s, driven by Ian Stewart, Bill Dobson, and Sir James Scott Douglas. It was Ian Stewart who not only chose the striking Flag Metallic Blue for the cars but also later sketched the team’s Saltire crest. Stewart’s talent was evident early on, even upstaging the legendary Stirling Moss in equal equipment.

Team victories at Le Mans 24 Hours

The team’s ambition grew rapidly, moving from the XK120s to the more advanced C-Types and ultimately the dominant D-Types. Despite often competing against better-funded and more experienced rivals, Ecurie Ecosse achieved remarkable success. Their two consecutive victories at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 1956 and 1957 not only put a “cobbled Edinburgh mews on the motorsport map” but also “shocked the world of motorsport”, defeating giants like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and the Jaguar factory team itself. This “David vs Goliath” story resonated deeply, establishing Ecurie Ecosse as a global brand with a strong national identity.

Key to their success was not just the skill of drivers like Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Ron Flockhart, and Ninian Sanderson, but also the dedication of their mechanics and engineers who worked tirelessly on a shoestring budget. As current team boss Alasdair McCaig notes, “They weren’t always the best truck in the paddock with the flashiest equipment but they got the job done and at the end of the day, it’s all about winning races”.

The late 1950s marked a period of increasing professionalism in motorsport. Teams needed reliable and efficient ways to transport their valuable racing machines across Europe to compete in various Grand Prix and sports car events. The image of a team arriving at a circuit was also becoming increasingly important, contributing to their overall brand and prestige. Recognising the need for a more “appropriate” transporter to carry Scotland’s finest from race to race, the idea for the Ecurie Ecosse transporter was hatched in the late 1950s, just after the team’s second victory at Le Mans.

Fans Backing

Utilising a Commer truck as a base, the ambitious project was made possible through the generous support of the Ecurie Ecosse association and countless trade sponsors. The construction was undertaken by Walter Alexander and Company of Falkirk, Scotland, a renowned coachbuilder. This collaboration resulted in a truly unique vehicle, a testament to Scottish engineering and the unwavering support of the team’s dedicated fanbase. The fact that the transporter was built via fan contributions highlights the deep connection between the team and its supporters, making it an even more special piece of motorsport history. As one Reddit user aptly put it, “Funded by fans? That’s r/wholesomemotorsport right there”.

The Ecurie Ecosse transporter made its first appearance at the Scottish circuit, Charterhall, on 29 May 1960. Its design was unlike anything seen before in the racing paddocks. Described as a “space-age transporter”, its sleek lines and distinctive Flag Blue Metallic paintwork made it instantly recognizable. The transporter was designed with practicality in mind, offering space for one car inside and two on the roof. Furthermore, it served as a sleeper and mobile workshop, providing essential facilities for the team as they traveled between race meetings across the UK and the continent.

Imagine the scene: this striking blue behemoth arriving at circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring, or even Le Mans, proudly carrying the equally iconic Flag Blue Jaguars. The sight of the transporter unloading a D-Type, ready to challenge the might of Ferrari and Aston Martin, would have been a powerful statement in itself, embodying the spirit and determination of the small Scottish team that dared to take on the giants. As Olly remarks in the Goodwood Road & Racing video transcript, the original transporter was considered “probably the first custom design race car transporter in the country”.

Winding Down

After the original Ecurie Ecosse was wound down in 1971 due to financial pressures, the famous transporter passed through several owners. However, its legendary status endured, further cemented by the release of a popular Corgi model in the 1960s, bringing the blue transporter into the homes and imaginations of countless enthusiasts.

Fortunately, this icon of motorsport history was not lost to time. It was eventually bought by Ecurie Ecosse collector Dick Skipworth and totally restored by Lynx. Today, the meticulously restored transporter is a familiar sight at historic motor racing meetings worldwide, including the prestigious Goodwood Revival, often carrying three of Skipworth’s ex-Ecosse racing cars. Its continued presence at these events serves as a powerful reminder of a golden era of motorsport and the plucky Edinburgh team that dared to dream big and achieve the seemingly impossible.

Collector Notes

For us, the Ecurie Ecosse transporter represents more than just a support vehicle. It is an integral part of the Ecurie Ecosse story, a symbol of the team’s ingenuity and the unwavering support that propelled them to victory. Owning a model of this iconic transporter allows you to:

• Capture a unique piece of motorsport history: The transporter is inextricably linked to Ecurie Ecosse’s legendary Le Mans wins and their battles against the giants of racing.
• Appreciate innovative design: Its custom-built nature, designed to efficiently carry racing cars and support the team on the road, was groundbreaking for its time.
• Celebrate the underdog spirit: The transporter embodies the “David vs Goliath” narrative of Ecurie Ecosse, a small, fan-funded team that conquered the world of motorsport.
• Create evocative dioramas: Imagine displaying your model Ecurie Ecosse transporter alongside meticulously detailed replicas of their famous Jaguar D-Types, recreating a classic scene from the racing paddock.
• Own a visually striking model: The transporter’s distinctive Flag Blue Metallic livery and unique design make it a standout piece in any collection. Its “space-age” aesthetic adds a touch of retro-futurism to your display.

A model of the Ecurie Ecosse transporter is not just another vehicle on the shelf; it’s a conversation starter, a tribute to a remarkable team, and a celebration of the golden age of motorsport.

We highly recommend the CMR 1:18 Scale model of the Ecurie Ecosse which is a very high-quality former Model Car of the Year winner.

It has turning front wheels, the tailgate can be opened and movable loading ramps to simulate a loading situation. It’s quite a size, being approx. 52cm long, or 70cm long with the loading ramps unfolded.

This model enhances any collection. So, don’t miss out – order one now!