Highlights
- One of only two known surviving Connaught Syracuse GT prototypes
- The only example in private ownership worldwide
- Used as the official suspension testing mule by Connaught Motor Company
- Designed by renowned automotive engineer Tim Bishop
- Handcrafted with stainless-steel chassis and aluminium body
- UK registered and with a current advisory-free MOT to August 2026
The Appeal
If ambition had four wheels, it would look like this car, the evocatively named Connaught Type D Syracuse GT. The brainchild of Jaguar engine and chassis supremos Tim Bishop and Tony Martindale, it was conceived as an Audi TT-sized full four-seater with a design by Geoffrey Matthews, the man behind the Rancho and Espace. And here’s the kicker - it would have a 2L V10 engine.
Taking the name from the illustrious 50s Formula One and Two racers, the new Connaught was a technological tour de force. The chassis is stainless steel with a carbon fibre platform, while the body is handmade aluminium.
If you've heard of this car before, then you may be ahead of us - yes, just four prototypes were built before the project imploded. This car is the only one in private ownership. It was built as the suspension test mule and has been in the correct keeper’s collection since 2009.
The car is fitted with a 2L Ford 4-cylinder engine - chosen by Bishop because it has a similar weight to the proposed V10, and has covered just 10,000 miles from new. It is fully UK registered and carries current, advisory-free MOT to August 2026. The vendor tells us that it has been extensively mechanically renovated, with much of the work by Tim Bishop himself.
As a test mule the car features an incomplete interior. You could enjoy this instant conversation starter as it is, or of course there is scope to trim the cabin and perhaps even fit that V10.
History and Paperwork
- UK registered as a Connaught Syracuse GT prototype
- Carries a Connaught chassis number
- First UK registered 1st July 2006
- Two UK keepers registered
- Vendor tells us that he acquired the car in 2009
- Current keeper registered in the UK since September 2014
- Built by Connaught Motor Company in Llanelli specifically for suspension testing
- Has been driven both in the UK and abroad during current ownership
- Comes with a valid UK V5C registration document in the current owner's name
- Recently passed MOT test with no advisories valid to August 2026
- The car was previously insured by Hagerty with an agreed valuation of £22,000
- One of only four prototypes ever built, with only two known to survive
- The other surviving example is owned by BDI International, the current holders of the Connaught Motor Company rights
The Condition
- Prototype car finished in green and silver with design decals as shown
- Aluminium bodywork hand-finished in and in good order as shown
- Exterior presents well for a testing prototype with some expected scratches
- Some stone rash to note to rear arches as shown
- Stainless steel chassis with carbon fibre plastic platform
- Framed side windows have cracks but remain functional
- Windscreen appears in good condition
- Lift motor for the distinctive door window design requires some manual assistance
- Door trims are present and in place
- Four seats are fitted with safety belts
- Trimmed in grey and green alcantara with stitched branding and signatures as shown
- Driver’s seat shows some wear to the squab as shown
- Minimal interior as befitting a testing mule
- Mechanical components are visible throughout the cabin
- Recently fitted with new quality brand Goodyear tyres
- Connaught-branded polished multispoke alloy wheels in good condition
- Sparco suede-trimmed wheel
The Mechanics
- Ford 4cyl 2,000cc line-four engine
- Fitted with the Ford engine rather than the intended V10
- Manual gearbox
- Engine chosen to replicate the weight of the planned V10 for suspension testing
- Mechanical components have been overhauled during current ownership we are told
- Mechanical work by Tim Bishop, the original designer of the car and its V10 engine
- Recently received a new lambda sensor and catalytic converter
- Heat shielding has been upgraded
- AP Racing callipers
- New rear suspension components have been fitted
- The vendor states the car can now be used reliably on a daily basis
- Current MOT with no advisories
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