Continental Special -- Gary Mullholland , Tyrrell Turtill
Extraordinary car powered by a 7.7 litre Continental 180 engine from a Cessna
Both Turtill and Mullholland were killed in a road accident.
I read somewhere the car had survived
Any info ???
In June 2007 Original Scripts brought a truly unique piece of Theatre to Canterbury. Our Adult class’s 2007 mid year production was an amazing historical piece. It was the story of two young Christchurch men who invented, designed and raced a revolutionary race car in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The car was named the Continental Special and it was designed and built by Garry Mulholland and Tyrell Turtill. The car was revolutionary in so many ways, from the fact that it had a rear mounted 7 litre Continental Special Aero engine (the same sort of engine as used in Cessna planes) through to the design of the suspension and the processes they used in building the parts. They raced the car successfully at various racetracks, including Ruapuna and Wigram, from 1968 until they were both tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in February 1971. “The Continental Special : The Car that flew” is their story and is written by Garry Mulholland’s Sister – Canterbury Playwright Wendy Steeds. Original Scripts was also been blessed by input from internationally acclaimed singer and comedian Judy Glen, Tyrell’s sister. But the family connections do not end there. Both Garry’s youngest son and Wendy Steeds grandson performed in the play with Wendy's Grandson (Sam Steeds) playing the part of Garry. Both the car, and the story of Garry and Tyrell, are an important and well known part of the history of motor racing in Canterbury. TVNZ’s “Close up” screened a documentary on the story of the car, the tragedy of the boys death and a Sisters love. And how it all lead to the play being performed at the Repertory Theatre from June the 7th to the 9th. The show was a huge success with many people travelling from outside the Christchurch Region to see it.
If I remember correctly the engine drove through a torque convertor to a two speed transmission. I too have heard of the car being restored but have no idea where.
The Continental Special was definitely on tardme a couple of years ago. Classic Car ran something on the car about the same time. It was in good order then. There was something about it on the start line, being very difficult to hold on the brakes. Mesmerising car I thought then - has this kind of raw power look about it - like an explosion going somewhere to happen.
In the late 1960s, in Sydney, I worked with Tyrell's sister Judy's husband Keith, we partied once or twice, found one another entertaining company, but not as entertaining as her/their stories of Tyrell and this amazing car("now under a house in Timaru" they said back then. "Tyrell had raced an MGTF before that" they also said.). I resolved to track this car down, never did-- perhaps preferring the myth to the reality-- but I have thought of it, and them, and Tyrell frequently since. I only learned of the fatal accident much later. If "The World's Fastest Indian" could do what it did, what about this story? I hope the play did well, and continues to do so.
If anyone is in touch with Judy, please pass on my regards to her and hers
Ok ..I received an email from Tyrrells Sister Judy regarding the car
Several years ago the continential special was owned by an enthuisist in Christchurch and was
garaged in a warehouse in the central city - It was taken to Ruapuna Park and put throu it's paces for a TV programnme about the musical play entitled The Continental Special, The Car that Flew
I wouldn't like it's chances of having survived the Earthquakes if it was still there.
I have two contacts that could help - Glenn Sparrow, Garrys Son ph .......... or ph ..........
Or Wendy Steeds nee Mulholland ph...........
I hope they can help you and thank you for your continued interest in the boys incredible invention!
Best wishes Judy Glen nee Turtill
I have Phone numbers for the contacts mentioned above if anyone is interested( send me a personal message)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote