1998 Spectre R42

Lot details
Registration No: S759KLJ
Chassis No: SA9NRGXXPVM071029
Mot Expiry: Dec 2016

- The ex-Spectre Supersport demonstrator and last of 23 examples built

- Three former keepers and 22,000 miles from new, MOT'd till Nov 2016

- Quoted 175mph top speed, 4.6 litre V8 (350bhp/335lbft) and 5-speed transaxle

A very decent junior supercar, then? Indeed, but also one that fulfilled its creators' self-imposed brief, to be a supercar that was easy for a novice to drive, docile around town and, as Spectre's brochures suggested, 'a super sportscar that is no more expensive to maintain than a family saloon'. - Alastair Clements, Classic & Sportscar (May 2009)

Conceived by Ray Christopher of GT Developments as a roadgoing GT40 for the 1990s, the R42 was based around a Group C-style honeycomb-reinforced folded aluminium sheet monocoque equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes and power assisted rack and pinion steering. Originally developed for Ford and Audi respectively, its 4603cc all-alloy 350bhp/335lbft V8 engine was allied to a five-speed Getrag transaxle. The GRP-bodied design was put into production by Anders Hildebrand of Spectre Supersport Ltd who got Stockholm University to hone its 0.28 drag coefficient and multiple Le Mans-winner Derek Bell to come on board as chairman and development consultant before securing the mid-engined, 175mph two-seater a starring role in the 1997 film RPM alongside David Arquette, Famke Janssen and Jerry Hall. Priced at a loss making £74,950 due to the 2,000 hours that each one took to complete, R42 production was strictly limited.

A former Spectre Supersport Ltd demonstrator and the last of just 23 examples made, 'S759 KLJ' is further notable for being the very machine that Classic & Sportscar profiled. Having used the R42 to break the ice with petrolhead clients, the vendor describes it as 'a quick, well-appointed car with no known faults that is a joy to drive and easy to own'. Maintained during his tenure by ZUL Racing of Derby, recent work has seen the Spectre treated to a new battery, rear tyres, air-con pump overhaul and replacement fuel tank. A real rarity that has covered just 22,000 miles from new, 'S759 KLJ' is offered for sale with its Spectre company mileage logbook, CD stereo, sat-nav, manual and fresh MOT certificate.