Leslie Mark Ballamy (28 December 1903 – 16 July 1991)[1] was a British inventor and automotive engineer who had a major impact on the British motorsport scene both before the Second World War and in the post-war period. His business L.M.B. Components Ltd was located in Guildford, Surrey.
Bellamy was born in Walworth, England,[2] to George William Ballamy and Elizabeth Caroline Ballamy.[3]
History
Looking to improve the handling of the Austin 7, in 1933, Ballamy split the front beam axle into twin swing arms that pivoted from a central joint.[4] It is for this simple innovation that Ballamy became renowned. Soon afterwards, he put into production his swing axles for the Austin and the Ford 8, 10 and V8 models. Ballamy also converted more up-market cars such as Allard, Bugatti, Delage, and Bentley.[citation needed]
The backbone of LMB Components’ business was this suspension system which they later complemented by offering a softer spring and panhard rod combination for the live rear axle. LMB's suspension, engine and transmission conversions became a passport to success on race tracks, hill-climbs and trials venues and proved popular with some of Britain's top sportsmen. They could also be used on road cars to enhance their performance.
For 1959, Ballamy developed two ladder chassis which used a semi-swing axle front suspension featuring Citroën 2CV-style leading arms. At the rear was a transverse double cantilever layout. The ‘A’ model chassis suited Ford side valve engines while the ‘B’ model was for Ford overhead valve and BMC B-series motors. Various proprietary specials shells could be fitted. Only two of these chassis are known to have survived.
In 1961, Ballamy came to an agreement with Edwards Brothers (EB) of Stoke to retail their Debonair body shell. Mated to his chassis, he sold the stylish coupe as the LMB Debonair. Fifty examples of the Debonair were completed and the chassis went on to form the basis for the Reliant Sabre, although mated to a modified Ashley 1172 shell.
Later years
In April 1962, Ballamy retired from the automotive industry. He died in Guildford in 1991.[5]
See also
Allard, which used a similar swing axle conversion, developed independently by Sydney Allard.
References
^England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
^England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885 to present - G.N. Georgano (1982)
Out in Front: The Lesley Ballamy Story by Tony Russell (2004)
January 14, 2023
leslie, ballamy, leslie, mark, ballamy, december, 1903, july, 1991, british, inventor, automotive, engineer, major, impact, british, motorsport, scene, both, before, second, world, post, period, business, components, located, guildford, surrey, contents, early. Leslie Mark Ballamy 28 December 1903 16 July 1991 1 was a British inventor and automotive engineer who had a major impact on the British motorsport scene both before the Second World War and in the post war period His business L M B Components Ltd was located in Guildford Surrey Contents 1 Early life 2 History 3 Later years 4 See also 5 ReferencesEarly life Edit Ballamy front swing axle conversion Bellamy was born in Walworth England 2 to George William Ballamy and Elizabeth Caroline Ballamy 3 History EditLooking to improve the handling of the Austin 7 in 1933 Ballamy split the front beam axle into twin swing arms that pivoted from a central joint 4 It is for this simple innovation that Ballamy became renowned Soon afterwards he put into production his swing axles for the Austin and the Ford 8 10 and V8 models Ballamy also converted more up market cars such as Allard Bugatti Delage and Bentley citation needed The backbone of LMB Components business was this suspension system which they later complemented by offering a softer spring and panhard rod combination for the live rear axle LMB s suspension engine and transmission conversions became a passport to success on race tracks hill climbs and trials venues and proved popular with some of Britain s top sportsmen They could also be used on road cars to enhance their performance For 1959 Ballamy developed two ladder chassis which used a semi swing axle front suspension featuring Citroen 2CV style leading arms At the rear was a transverse double cantilever layout The A model chassis suited Ford side valve engines while the B model was for Ford overhead valve and BMC B series motors Various proprietary specials shells could be fitted Only two of these chassis are known to have survived In 1961 Ballamy came to an agreement with Edwards Brothers EB of Stoke to retail their Debonair body shell Mated to his chassis he sold the stylish coupe as the LMB Debonair Fifty examples of the Debonair were completed and the chassis went on to form the basis for the Reliant Sabre although mated to a modified Ashley 1172 shell Later years EditIn April 1962 Ballamy retired from the automotive industry He died in Guildford in 1991 5 See also EditAllard which used a similar swing axle conversion developed independently by Sydney Allard References Edit England amp Wales Civil Registration Death Index 1916 2007 1911 England Census London England Church of England Births and Baptisms 1813 1917 The Autocar c 1935 Autocar Handbook Thirteenth ed London Iliffe amp Sons pp 154 155 England amp Wales National Probate Calendar Index of Wills and Administrations 1858 1995 Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885 to present G N Georgano 1982 Out in Front The Lesley Ballamy Story by Tony Russell 2004 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Leslie Ballamy amp oldid 1084403640, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
