Lot details
Registration No: KNX 45L
Chassis No: 1401AB28225M112
Mot Expiry: Aug 2011

GTM Cars Ltd was founded in 1976 by Cheshire garage owner Bernard Cox and his friend Jack Hosker. The result of the collaboration was the Cox GTM (Grand Touring Mini). The newcomer comprised a semi-monocoque steel chassis clothed in a 'Dinoesque' fibreglass body styled by Hosker and Howard Heerey of the neighbouring Midland Garage. The major mechanical parts were affixed to a pair of Mini front subframes. That at the rear contained the engine and transmission, while the front one carried the steering rack, fuel tank and radiator. The suspension, brakes and 10in wheels were as per a standard Mini. As the all up weight was a mere 533kgs, it took little horsepower to achieve a rewarding level of performance, the exact nature of which was determined by the specification of the BMC A-Series engine installed. While there was strong demand for the car, the project was disrupting Cox's day to day garage business and he ceased manufacture in 1968 after the production of some 50 kits. However, having been involved in the car's design and proven the breed on the racetrack, Howard Heerey was well aware of its potential and restarted the business in 1969. He and his father developed the car, improved the production process and had produced some 170 examples before being forced to close their factory in 1972 due to a road widening scheme.

The yellow 1972 GTM offered is the result of an extensive five-year refurbishment aimed at turning it into an historic race car, since when it has barely turned a wheel. The comprehensive specification is far too extensive to detail but includes: a full roll-over cage, full harness seat belts, a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system, Aeroquip brake lines, battery master switch, Yokohama A032 tyres on rare 10in Dunlop alloy wheels, stainless steel exhaust system, fully adjustable front suspension arms, Adjustaride variable ride height units all round etc. Excluded from the restoration were the 1275cc engine and four-speed manual gearbox, though the vendor says they appear to be "very good". Being a potential racecar, the GTM is currently without interior trim or heater. It is, however, taxed and MOT'd.