Martin Overington and Guy Stevens, Group 2 White, 1979, Rover SD1, driven in period by Jeff Allam and Tiff Needell, built by David Price Racing


This car is a genuine Group 2 works car built by David Price Racing in 1980 for British Leyland to contest the Tourist Trophy at Silverstone. It is the only works Group 2 Rover SD1 ever built - all the others were Group 1 or Group A Vitesses ( TWR). Sponsored by BL subsidiary Unipart and dubbed by Autosport ‘The Great White Hope’, the car was driven by Jeff Allam and Tiff Needell, qualifying in 7th place and running as high as 3rd in the race before retiring with a blown engine. Original Autosport magazines and a set of photographs accompany the car, together with a list of previous owners and some interim history. The car raced mainly in Thunder Saloon events in the 1980s before full restoration in the late 1990s by former Special Saloon champion Tony Dickinson, from whom the present owner purchased it in 2000. Raced regularly and updated sympathetically with its history in mind, the car features a TVR Tuscan V8 engine (top-end refreshed last season), T5 five-speed gearbox with Quickshift, new FIA FT3 60-litre fuel cell, new Lifeline 2000 plumbed-in extinguisher system and new lightweight six-pot front brake calipers. Weight is approximately 1,100kgs. The car is eligible for the CTCRC’s ‘Classic Thunder’ series, the BTCC support series ‘Historic Grand Touring Car Challenge’ and ‘Rolling Thunder’ (CSCC). In 2002 it was a class winner in ‘Classic Thunder’ and has many podium finishes and one pole to its credit. The car is in good all round condition (re-sprayed in February 2004) and has competed has recently as May 23rd at Brands Hatch. We are advised that it is race ready with the exception of the harnesses, which need replacing. A quantity of spares (delivery to be arranged) is available including three sets of wheels/tyres: Dunlop slicks, Avon wets and Toyo proxies.


Size: 5046px × 3360px
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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