Description
An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exciting and evocative FIA historic race cars on the market today. Built by renowned Triumph specialists TR Enterprises with the handcrafted aluminium body expertly produced by RH Classics, this Triumph SLR recreation combines breathtaking period styling, proven competition pedigree and serious on-track capability in one beautifully engineered package. Finished in stunning Alumina Green and constructed to correct FIA specification with current FIA papers, this is a front-running historic competition car built with one clear purpose… to race and win. Few historic race cars capture the spirit of 1960s British motorsport quite like the Triumph SLR. Built from one of the most fascinating collaborations of the era between Sid Hurrell, Chris Lawrence and John Sprinzel, the SLR programme combined proven Triumph mechanicals with lightweight aerodynamic coachbuilt aluminium bodywork to create a genuine giant killer capable of taking on far more exotic machinery across Europe’s greatest circuits. The origins of the SLR story begin in 1960 when club racer Neil Dangerfield purchased Sid Hurrell’s famous Triumph TR3A, registered “SAH 137”, for use on both road and track. Following several successful seasons, Dangerfield upgraded to a brand new Triumph TR4 in 1962 supplied by Hurrell’s renowned SAH tuning concern, with the famous “SAH 137” registration transferred onto the new car. Prepared by Sid Hurrell for competition, the TR4 was campaigned extensively throughout 1962 and 1963 at circuits across the UK and Europe. One of its most famous outings came at Monza in 1963 where Dangerfield drove the car from England to compete in the 3 Hour Grand Prix support race, finished 2nd in class, and drove the car home again afterwards - a remarkable testament to both performance and reliability. By the end of 1963, development of the car had moved into the hands of the legendary Chris Lawrence, alongside respected racer and tuner John Sprinzel. Recognising the aerodynamic limitations of the standard TR4 body, the decision was made to create something far more advanced. The original TR4 body was removed and replaced with a dramatically sleeker low-drag aluminium body handcrafted by Williams and Pritchard, one of the era’s most respected coachbuilders. The resulting machine was christened “SLR” - standing for Sprinzel LawrenceTune Racing - and made its public debut at the Racing Car Show at Olympia in January 1964. The original Triumph-based SLR proved hugely competitive, racing at circuits including Goodwood, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps throughout 1964 and 1965, often embarrassing far more exotic machinery in the process. Following the success of the original car, three further SLRs were constructed on Morgan chassis, creating what are now regarded as some of the most important independent British GT racing cars of the 1960s. Lightweight, aerodynamic and beautifully engineered, the SLRs developed a reputation for punching well above their weight against Porsche, Lotus and Ferrari opposition. What you see here is an exceptionally accurate recreation of the original Triumph-based SLR. The original car was digitally scanned before a wooden buck was produced, allowing the handcrafted aluminium body to be recreated with incredible accuracy and attention to detail. Constructed to the correct FIA specification, the car immediately proved its capability, taking 1st in class and 18th overall at the prestigious Spa 6 Hours just six weeks after completion. Since then, it has enjoyed successful competition both in the UK and abroad before being retired from racing a couple of years ago and carefully stored away. Specification is exactly what you would hope for from a front-running historic competition car. Running 5. 5 x 15 72-spoke wire wheels fitted with Avon CR6 ZZ tyres, the car features the correct competition rear axle and gearbox, FIA-legal 87mm engine, bespoke exhaust manifold and system compliant with circuit noise regulations, bespoke wiring loom, heated front windscreen, endurance alloy fuel tank with electric pumps, Tillet seat and bespoke Safety Devices roll cage. Eligible for many of the finest historic motorsport events in the world including Equipe, Swinging Sixties, Donington Historic Festival, Silverstone Classic and Spa, with potential eligibility for Goodwood Members Meeting or Revival subject to invitation. Maintained meticulously throughout its competition life, the car will also receive a motorsport service by TR Enterprises prior to sale, ensuring it is fully inspected and ready for its next owner to enjoy on circuit with confidence. With only two recreations in existence - this FIA race car and one road-going version - opportunities to acquire an SLR recreation of this calibre are exceptionally rare. More than simply a historic race car, this represents a recreation of one of Britain’s most important and charismatic independent GT racers of the 1960s. To...
