spot_img
HomeCar CultureMy Classic CarMy Classic Car: Andrew’s 1961 Heron Europa

My Classic Car: Andrew’s 1961 Heron Europa

-

A dozen of these fiberglass cars were produced by a British boat builder | Andrew De Bernes photos
A dozen of these fiberglass cars were produced by a British boat builder | Andrew De Bernes photos

This car was a real wreck when I bought it, but it is historically interesting, having raced in the UK in the 1960s. I did all the work on its rebuild except the paint and some of the fiberglass.

Twelve were made by Heron, a boat manufacturer that later went on to do the well-known Diva car. Production of the Europa was too costly, but it was a car of quality, and with good performance from a 1.3- or optional 1.5-liter Ford GT engine and 5-speed Hewland gearbox. The car had independent suspension all around.

Monteverdi acquired the rights to the design.

The interior
The interior

My car is the Diva prototype with 5-link axle.

We estimate about four of the cars survive, one in Japan and the others in Europe.

The car is a real joy to drive with a fantastic power/weight ratio.

— Andrew De Bernes, Le Vesinet, Paris, France

spot_img
Reader Stories
Reader Stories
Reader Stories are submitted by ClassicCars.com Blog readers like you. Have a special memory of a cherished vehicle that you'd like to share with the world? Here's your chance! Just tell us your story and we'll post it for everyone to see and comment.
  1. One of the Heron bodies ended up in Golden Colorado. It had been lengthened in the cowl area and fitted to a MGA floor pan. It was thought have come via Germany by an American GI. It was quite rough and might been better used for a new mold.

Recent Posts

spot_img