Highlights
- Ultra-rare lightweight British sports car
- Owned by the current keeper since December 1979
- Comprehensive body off restoration completed in 1997
- Fitted with a Ford Crossflow engine and twin 40 Weber DCOE carburettors
The Appeal
Piper Cars originated during the mid-1960s as an offshoot of camshaft and engine specialists Piper Tuning. The plan was to build super-light racing cars with tubular frames, streamlined fibreglass bodywork and tuned Ford mechanicals. Early Pipers were very low and aerodynamically advanced, but suffered from a lack of testing. One was entered into the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours, although overheating issues foiled its chances of proving its efficacy on the racetrack.
Piper's most celebrated model is the P2, launched in 1971 when the company, now under new management, shifted its focus to road cars. The P2 featured a longer and more robust tubular steel spaceframe chassis and a lightweight GRP fibreglass body shell designed by Tony Hilder. It was designed to accept various four-cylinder engines, most commonly Ford Kent crossflow units (e.g., 1600cc or 1700cc), but other options included the 2000cc Ford OHC Pinto and Lotus Twin Cam engines. Just 98 examples are believed to have been built.
This 1976 example is fitted with a Ford Crossflow engine fed by Twin 40 Weber DCOE carburettors. Our car stands out for its remarkable single-ownership history, having been in the current keeper's possession since December 1979. Having undergone a comprehensive "body off" restoration in 1997 and recently receiving a fresh respray in 2023, this P2 presents an opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and cherished example of this rare model, which seldom appears on the market.
Piper's most celebrated model is the P2, launched in 1971 when the company, now under new management, shifted its focus to road cars. The P2 featured a longer and more robust tubular steel spaceframe chassis and a lightweight GRP fibreglass body shell designed by Tony Hilder. It was designed to accept various four-cylinder engines, most commonly Ford Kent crossflow units (e.g., 1600cc or 1700cc), but other options included the 2000cc Ford OHC Pinto and Lotus Twin Cam engines. Just 98 examples are believed to have been built.
This 1976 example is fitted with a Ford Crossflow engine fed by Twin 40 Weber DCOE carburettors. Our car stands out for its remarkable single-ownership history, having been in the current keeper's possession since December 1979. Having undergone a comprehensive "body off" restoration in 1997 and recently receiving a fresh respray in 2023, this P2 presents an opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and cherished example of this rare model, which seldom appears on the market.
History and Paperwork
- Constructed in 1976 and registered as 'MAM 870P'
- In current ownership since December 1979
- Just two former registered keepers
- Current mileage shows 6,966 miles: speedometer/tachometer recalibrated in 1997
- Rare model: just 98 examples are believed to have been built
- Garage maintained throughout current ownership
- Exempt from MOT and road tax
- Serviced when required within the current owner's 46-year ownership (despite its low mileage)
- Records kept of all significant events and purchases will be handed over to the new owner as part of an extensive information package
The Condition
- The vendor states this is "one of the best examples" available
- Comprehensive "body off" restoration in 1997
- Subframe zinc galvanised and strengthened during restoration
- Roll cage fitted
- Interior refreshed with cloth (replacing original leatherette)
- Few scratch marks on the driver's side seat from getting in and out
- Bodywork resprayed in 2023
- Paint is reportedly the closest possible match to the previous colour (accounting for some colour fading over time)
The Mechanics
- 1.7-litre Ford Crossflow engine
- Twin 40 Weber DCOE carburettors
- Four-speed Ford 2000E gearbox (three rail version)
- 3.0-litre Capri back axle with 3.77:1 gear ratio
- New Stage 2 Ford Crossflow engine installed in 1997 (supplied by Anglian Engines)
- Engine runs well (requires leaded petrol additive)
- Fitted with Stage 2 Piper Cam
- "Piper" all-steel rocker assembly
- Kenlowe Fan installed
- New alternator, radiator and associated pipework
- Power servo-assisted braking
- Very minor oil leaks from gearbox and rear axle noted
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