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.

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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

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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)

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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

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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