1959 Peerless GT Phase II

Description

Based in Slough, Berkshire, Peerless Cars Ltd. was a short-lived but notable British sports car manufacturer known for the extremely rare Peerless GT. Initially called the Warwick, company founders John Gordon and James Byrnes approached racing mechanic Bernie Rodger to design a 2+2 sports car of tubular spaceframe construction. The Peerless GT entered production in 1957 and featured a 2.0-litre engine from a Triumph TR3, leaf-sprung de Dion rear suspension, disc brakes, and fiberglass Italian-inspired coachwork. In 1958, a works Peerless GT was entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the sole four-seater in the field – finishing a very respectable 16th. A mere 325 cars are estimated to have been built before production ceased in 1960, making them an exceptionally rare collectible. This example is one of only 70 built in left-hand drive configuration, and benefits from a comprehensive frame-on restoration completed in October of this year.

Highlights

• The subject of a comprehensive frame-on restoration completed in October 2023

• Running gear sourced from a 1974 Datsun 260Z: 2.6-liter L26 inline-six-cylinder engine topped with dual Weber 32/36 DGV carburetors and mated to a four-speed manual transmission

• The engine and transmission were reportedly professionally rebuilt at some point in its life

• The body was refinished in silver and the frame was sealed with POR-15 as part of the restoration

• Completely new interior including black vinyl upholstery, black carpeting, Stewart Warner gauges, and interior lighting

• All fluids were reportedly changed recently as per the consignor

• 15-inch Dayton chrome wire wheels with knock-off hubs mounted with Michelin Defender T+H tires

• This 1959 Peerless GT Phase II is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 10,500 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Custom bumperettes, front and rear

• Chrome rocker panels

• Tubular steel spaceframe

• Fog lights

• Power windows

• Dual chrome exterior racing mirrors

• Two electrical safety cut-off switches

• Two fuel filters

• Single side-exit exhaust

• “007” graphics on the rear quarters, air filters, and fuel bib

• Three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Rubber floor mats

• Trunk-mounted fuel cell

Known Imperfections

• The headliner has been deleted

• Small chips and touch-ups throughout the exterior

• Minor rub marks near the door edges

• Hairline cracks below the vinyl wrap

Included

• Jack

• Knock-off wheel hub tool

• Set of three keys, three fobs

• Miscellaneous spare parts (nuts and bolts, interior trim pieces, door handle/lock hardware)

Ownership History

The consignor reports acquiring this 1959 Peerless GT Phase II in 2021 from Autosport Designs Exotic Cars in Huntington Station, New York.

Additional Notes

Please note that this lot is offered on Bill of Sale only.