Highlights
- Chassis number 1 — the very first Dowsetts Tipo 184 ever produced
- One of only five known UK road-legal examples
- Built by a professional classic car restorer and engineer over a 12-month period
- featured in Complete Kit Car magazine
- Private registration plate included in the sale
- First registered in October 2025, it has not yet undergone its first MOT test
The Appeal
The Dowsetts Tipo 184 is a monoposto (single-seat) racing car born from the collaboration between TV presenter Ant Anstead and engineer Darren Collins, paying homage to the legendary Alfa Romeo Tipo 158/9 that dominated Grand Prix racing in the late 1930s and 1940s. Engineered around proven Mazda MX-5 running gear and clothed in fibreglass bodywork, the Tipo 184 distils the romance of pre-war single-seater racing into a car you can drive on the road, and very few have been registered to do so.
This particular car is chassis number 1, the very first example ever produced, and one of only five known to be road-legal in the UK. It was built by a professional classic car restorer and engineer whose expertise is evident in every detail. The kit was delivered in 2022 and the builder spent a full year refining the car to a standard that the vendor describes as almost certainly the best Tipo 184 in existence. Bespoke touches developed during the build include cycle wings, front and rear light pods, an exhaust heat shield and a stainless steel roll-over bar, while the bodywork is finished in ten layers of Alfa Romeo’s Rosso Competizione, the same shade found on the 8C. The tan leather upholstery is the builder's own handiwork, and the car carries restored period Alfa Romeo headlamps with integrated indicators, wire wheels and period-type Blockley tyres.
Beneath the striking exterior sits a low-mileage 2003 Mazda MX-5 donor, whose 1.8-litre engine, five-speed gearbox, suspension and brakes were all thoroughly serviced and upgraded before installation. The current owner purchased the car from the original builder, successfully took it through the IVA process and road-registered it in 2025. It comes to market with a UK V5C, IVA certificate and a private registration plate. We're informed it has been trouble-free from day one; it’s a genuine road-legal single seater, thoroughly proven and ready to enjoy with confidence.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 2025 in the United Kingdom
- Chassis number 1 — the very first Tipo 184 produced
- Dowsetts Cars was a joint venture between Ant Anstead and engineer Darren Collins
- The Tipo 184 is a homage to the Alfa Romeo Tipo 158/9 racing cars of the 1930s and 1940s
- Kit delivered in 2022; the builder spent 12 months refining and perfecting the build
- Based on a low-mileage 2003 Mazda MX-5 donor car with around 40,000 miles
- Current owner purchased the car from the original builder and took it through the IVA process
- UK V5 and IVA certificate present
- One of only five known UK road-legal Tipo 184 cars
- Private registration plate included in the sale
- The vendor describes the car as trouble-free from day one
The Condition
- The vendor describes the fit and finish as a testament to the craftsmanship of the builder
- Bespoke features developed by the builder include cycle wings, front and rear light pods, exhaust heat shield and stainless steel roll-over bar
- Paintwork built up from ten layers, finished in Alfa Romeo Rosso Competizione as seen on the 8C
- Tan-coloured leather upholstery for the seat and cockpit trim panels, crafted by the builder
- The vendor describes the exterior as being in 'as new' condition with very good panel fit owing to the builder's expertise in fibreglass fabrication
- Carries restored period Alfa Romeo headlamps with front indicators integrated within
- Wire wheels fitted with period-type Blockley tyres
- Chassis powder coated in grey as per the original period race cars; the vendor describes it as an impressive work of art and engineering
- Driver's seat in the classic monoposto position with a bespoke gear change system selecting all five gears and reverse
- Aluminium seat trimmed in leather and adjustable for leg room; described as offering plentiful space for taller drivers
- Bespoke Moto Lita steering wheel made specifically for the Tipo 184
- Fitted with a six-point harness; described as comfortable and spacious
The Mechanics
- 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine from a 2003 Mazda MX-5
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Designed in the style of a monoposto racing car, engineered on Mazda MX-5 running gear
- All main assemblies serviced, renewed where required, upgraded and painted, including the engine, gearbox, steering, suspension and brakes
- Light weight and strong power are said to give the car real performance, combined with classic single-seat racing car dynamics
- The vendor reports that everything works and drives very well
- The vendor describes the engine bay as detailed to 'as new' or better condition
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