Beschreibung
This 1959 Turner MK1 Coventry Climax is a very special example of the Turner Sports Car.
First developed in 1959, the MK1 Turner was typically fitted with a BMC type power-plant. This particular car, chassis # 60-414 WNT-227 was one of only 17 cars to receive a 1098cc Coventry Climax engine, at that time being used in the Lotus 11. Thus making it a Turner MK1 Climax. Cylinder Head. Fully machined combustion chambers and ports. Finished and polished. All new 37 and 32mm or 35. 5 and 31mm valves. New high performance valve springs, new guides, recut or replaced seats. New high tensile head studs. New Kent Camshaft with variable timing sprocket, modified carrier and studs. Aluminum inlet manifolds Engine New liners and new special CP Carrillo forged pistons. Forged rods, Steel Climax Crank. Three main bearing caps in billet steel. Remanufactured High Delivery oil pump with 34mm gears. 6mm Steel sump plate. New steel timing gear and chain, remanufactured water pump with new pulley. Sprite close ratio, straight cut transmission, sprite rear with two addition gear diffs
No Expense spared in the restoration and maintenance of this car.
Shortly after began a cycle of 10 owners, all fully documented from 1. Imported into the US in 1991 by New England Classic Car Company, it then underwent a thorough updating while staying true to many original points, all of which is documented. The car was with the same owner from 1 and was used for VSCCA events.
In December of 2000 the car received a thorough engine rebuild by Auto Specialties in CA, showing over $6, 000 in receipts. Again changing hands in 2004 with hardly any miles contributed to the engine rebuild. Since 2004 it last traded in 2008 and was owned by a dealer until LBI acquired the car in March of 2011. Currently the car represents that of a very nice driver. Mechanically the car is excellent. Recently tuned Weber DCOE 40s, and general tune up by Kurt Hoffman to bring this car up to date. The car retains many safety systems to make it VSCCA eligible including harness, spec roll bar, fuel cell, halon system (no longer needed) amongst others. Newer tires have been fitted to the 13a wheels more recently (a set of correct 15" wheels are included), and all other rubber components seem newer with no signs of rot with the exception of the windscreen molding. The suspension appears to have been updated, particularly in the rear which was previously converted by Layton Smith to Coil Spring rear suspension.
Cosmetically the car shows very well, with no major blemishes in the fiberglass, very straight with a nice luster to the paint. Blemishes to be disclosed are one spot on the hood where there is a spider crack, and a few minor chips and scrapes throughout as the car was enjoyed as a race car after it was painted. While we did make sure that it received some sorting and updating, as a race car it should certainly have thorough inspection and minor prep work to make it track ready. The interior is excellent with newer carpet and upholstering, correct 8, 000 RPM tachometer and 120MPH speedometer and a moto-lite steering wheel. The car runs and drives very well, has responsive handling and excellent power with 60 pounds of oil pressure consistently.
More recently this car was shown at The Best of Britains show, hosted by the Simeone Foundation, but has not raced in some years. All things considered this is a very rare opportunity to own what is probably one of the most important Turner Sports Cars. Included in the sale is a detailed history file and a very rare original sales brochure. This is a very well sorted car that will make an excellent vintage racer or addition to any collection. Please inquire with any additional interest.
Shipping is about $1200 to the UK from New Jersey.
