2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 1 of 199)
1991
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 1 of 199)
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 2 of 199)
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 3 of 199)
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 4 of 199)
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 5 of 199)
2001 Spectre R45 For Sale (picture 6 of 199)

2001 Spectre R45

Pre-bids

Highlights

  • Unique - the only road-going example
  • In current ownership for approximately 12 years
  • Extensive build documentation, manuals, and photo albums
  • Resprayed, re-trimmed, and mechanically overhauled within the past three years
  • MOT valid until February 2027

The Appeal

Most know 'Spectre' as a Bond film, and indeed there is a 007 connection to its car namesake. The yellow Spectre R45 prototype made its public debut at the 1997 London Motor Show, where it was famously unveiled by 'Q' himself - actor Desmond Llewellyn.

The R45 is a British mid-engined supercar of remarkable rarity, built around a tubular steel spaceframe chassis and powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre Ford-derived quad-cam V8 producing 350bhp. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels, and weighing just 1,250kg with double wishbone suspension and Alcon brakes at each corner, the R45 was engineered to deliver a raw, involving driving experience with a claimed top speed of 175mph.
This example is the only road-going R45 built out of two cars total, and it has been in the current owner's hands for approximately 12 years, used on a weekly basis throughout. Within the past three years, it has benefited from a respray in bright yellow, renewed upholstery, and a mechanical overhaul. Further work carried out by The Vault Europe in Woodbridge during 2025 and 2026 included fitting bespoke sports catalytic converters, replacing all four lambda sensors, installing a new throttle position sensor, fitting fresh spark plugs, restoring the cooling fan, and replacing the fuel gauge sender, culminating in a successful MOT pass.
The accompanying history file is a particular draw, featuring a large photo album documenting the build from bare chassis to finished car, development photographs from the Spectre prototype programme, factory wiring charts, and the VOSA Single Vehicle Approval certificate. The vendor describes the car as being in very good order throughout and great fun to drive.
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Key Information

  • Mileage: 18,693 miles (indicated)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 26th February 2027
  • Technical specs: 4.6-litre naturally aspirated V8, six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
  • Paperwork: build photo album, factory wiring charts, SVA certificate, and recent service invoices from The Vault Europe
  • Notice to bidders: private registration plate currently displayed is not included in the sale

The Detail

  • Resprayed within the past three years in bright yellow
  • Upholstery renewed within the past three years
  • Engine and mechanicals overhauled within the past three years
  • Bespoke 2.5-inch sports catalytic converters fitted and welded into the exhaust in 2025
  • All four lambda sensors replaced with new weld-in bosses in 2025
  • Cooling fan fault diagnosed and repaired, with all three fans refixed to the cowling with new fixings in 2025
  • Headlamp aim adjusted and fog lamp fitted in 2025
  • Battery isolator switch replaced in 2025
  • Rear deck gas struts replaced in 2025
  • Throttle position sensor diagnosed and replaced in 2026
  • Spark plugs replaced and injector cleaner added to the fuel system in 2026
  • Fuel gauge sender replaced with a compatible unit in 2026
  • New front number plate fitted in 2026
  • VOSA Single Vehicle Approval (Standard) issued in January 2004
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year2001
  • MakeSpectre
  • ModelR45
  • ColourYellow
  • Odometer18,693 Miles
  • Engine size4600cc
  • TransmissionManual, 6 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownSproughton
  • CountySuffolk
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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