TONY’S GOT THE BUG Rochdale based engineer, Tony Connelly, is an interesting chap; he owns a jet engine, a fully operational metal model tank and a unique car called the Stimson Buggy. I met Tony, at his home in Castleton, to find out more about the Stimson Buggy and his interest for all things out-of-the-ordinary.
Tony with the 1970's Mini Bug
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n the early 80’s, Tony started manufacturing his first kit car called the Stimson Mini Bug. He explained, “I’ve always been into cars – the more unusual the better! The Mini Bug was based on a mini, but more a beach buggy. It was originally created by British designer, Barry Stimson and was his first concept car. I did that for a few years, not making very much money, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience”.
Four years ago, Tony began looking for a ‘totally impractical’ fun two-seater. He explained, “I wanted something fun, something you can jump into when you’re feeling a bit jaded, and that’s when I stumbled across the Stimson Buggy on the internet”. Tony was stunned to find out it was one of Barry Stimson’s designs. He added, “At first I thought the vehicle had been sold, but after a little research I managed to track the vehicle down to Portsmouth. I spoke to a lady called Caroline, who turned out to be Barry’s wife and Barry invited me down to Portsmouth to meet him and take a look at the car. I had never met Barry before, but had always wanted to, because I admired the very sculptural, visual vehicles he designed”. Tony travelled down to Portsmouth for a test drive in the red Stimson Buggy,
which is based on a Ford Fiesta floorpan running gear, with a triangulated chassis for stiffness and a fibreglass body over the top. He explained how his wife is rarely interested in any of the cars he buys, but took an immediate liking to the Stimson Buggy, so he knew he was onto a winner. The Stimson Buggy is basically a concept car, with only one in existence, as sadly the only other Buggy was destroyed in a fire at Barry’s factory. Tony added, “Before the fire, Barry Stimson and his son took the two cars on an endurance trip, so they’ve actually been on a 4,500 mile round trip to the Artic… not something I’d like to do, but it does prove the reliability of the cars”. Tony is having great fun with his new set of wheels and is certainly turning heads around Rochdale. He has already received a number of offers for the Stimson, but says he is having far too much fun and could never part with the car that has put a new lease of life into his motoring. Tony is considering putting the Stimson buggy into production and if anyone is interested he can be contacted at CSM tools on 01706 342123.