Description
LOT 241
1969 Unipower GT Competition
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
14 July 2023, 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood
£50, 000 - £70, 000
Registration no. LTM 80G
Chassis no. UWF1012
• 1 of only circa 40 surviving examples
• Period competition history
• Valid FIA HTP's until 2033
• Le Mans Classic Eligible
• Rebuilt by world renowned race team, RJN Motorsport
• Road registered and eligible for Modena Cento Ore and Tour Auto
Created in 1965 and launched to the public in January 1966, the Unipower GT is arguably the best production special to have appeared during the 1960s. Mechanically Designed by Ernie Unger and Val Dare-Bryan, incorporating their considerable competition experience, the bodywork was drawn by the legendary Ron Bradshaw who is credited with also drawing the original Ford GT40. Conceived by racers and built with an unswerving commitment to quality in design, manufacture, materials and finish, the Unipower GT combines prevailing competition design and the individual and instantly recognisable styling that the 1960s allowed.
Constructed on a tubular space-frame with fully independent suspension bonded to a lightweight race-bred fibreglass body. This provides a light, rigid structure in which a BMC 'A' Series transverse engine and transmission is mounted in a mid-engine configuration. Body and spaceframe were manufactured by leading competition fabricators of the era, and the road cars were trimmed by the famous Wood and Pickett.
73 Unipowers were manufactured in the UK between 1966 and 1970, the majority as road cars. A few were produced as racing thoroughbreds, appearing at circuits both nationally and internationally. Even fewer are raced to this day. Of the total 73 built, today only 40 survive these days, making it an incredibly rare and eligible car.
This particular example, chassis number UWF1012 is featured in the Unipower GT book by Gerry Hulford, and has competition history dating back five decades. Originally purchased by a Mr Saunders from Monty & Ward Motors in May 1969, since then the car's history has been fully documented, right down to details such as the early competition front air-dam being designed and manufactured by Mathwall Engineering. From 1969 to today, the car has always worn 'LTM 80G' registration, and it comes with a current V5C.
Today the car is truly race-ready having been rebuilt by the engineers at RJN Motorsport (Blancpain GT4 and GT3 overall PRO Champions). In the specification photographed (sister chassis 1969 Gran Premio Mugello spec), the car has a new HTP, lasting until 2033. The FIA race-spec Cooper S engine was built by Roger Heavens, with the usual Omega pistons, lightweight flywheel, FIA cam, polished and ported head and breathing through Weber 45DCOE. The gearbox was rebuilt by Racing Transmissions. Weighing only 545kg and with astonishing amounts of grip, the phrase "giant-killer" was coined for the competition spec Unipower GT.
Eligible for a huge number of race series across the UK and Europe and one of the most affordable ways on to the Le Mans Classic grid, or a fabulously nimble and competitive car for the great road rallies such as the Modena Cento Ore and Tour Auto.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol ( †, ?, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40, 000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40, 001 up to and including £800, 000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800, 001 up to and including £4, 500, 000 and 14. 5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4, 500, 001. (subject to VAT)
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500, 000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
