The Classic Sale At Silverstone Festival 25th - 27th August 2023

+ buyers premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter 61 Registration: YNF 206S Chassis No.: RA40021933 Estimate: £70,000 - £80,000 Specialist: Harry Fox-Edwards Telephone No: 07398 872032 Lot 334 1978 Toyota Celica 2.0 GT Ex-Martin Brundle The 1978 Toyota Celica 2.0GT Liftback, known as the RA40, was a highly regarded sports coupé celebrated for its agility, reliability, and competitive performance in both road driving and motorsport competitions. Its lightweight and nimble design made it a popular choice for racing and rallying despite not having the most powerful 2.0-litre DOHC engine. This particular Celica holds special significance as it was owned by the renowned racing Brundle family. Originally registered to John Brundle Motors Ltd in May 1978, the car served as a showroom demonstrator before being sold in April 1979. In August 1980, Brundle Motors Ltd. repurchased the car and, with the assistance of Kevin Gutteridge and Arthur Coleman, converted it for production saloon car racing. The Celica achieved success in various events, including a victory in the Commanders Cup at the 24-hour Willhire races in 1980/81, driven by Martin, John, and Robin Brundle. Throughout its racing career, the car changed hands a few times but remained a dedicated competition vehicle, achieving notable success in the Slick 50 Road Saloon Championship. In the late 1990s, it became part of classic Group 1 Touring cars before being sold back to one of its original period owners in 2007, who remains the owner to this day. In 2014, a comprehensive restoration project commenced for 3 reasons; 1. To meet the stringent FIA Group 1 homologation standards 2. Acquire its Historical Technical Passport (HTP) and 3. Secure an invitation to race at the prestigious Goodwood Members Meeting. The restoration involved a meticulous effort, with every nut and bolt either replaced or refurbished. The car was bare metal resprayed to its original metallic black colour, preserving its racing history and patina. The engine has been fully rebuilt, forged, uprated and dyno tested by DTW Engines in Essex costing £4,289, now producing 176 BHP with the potential for more power with the supplied tubular exhaust manifold and various mechanical components, including the running gear and braking system, were refurbished or upgraded. The interior maintains its original features, including the dashboard, GT fascia, OE gauges, and racing Mountney steering wheel. Safety additions, such as a new Cobra historic FIA racing seat, TRS 6-point harness, and FIA fire extinguisher system, were incorporated. The car will be sold in a superior ‘Group 1.5’ specification for the Goodwood Member’s Meeting while also providing the HTP Group 1 Specification as a removable “kit.” The history file is remarkable and truly paints a picture of where this car has been, what it has done and in who’s hands, with cuttings and features from race wins, as well as the hugely significant number of invoices and paperwork relating to the restoration. This Celica seems to tick all the right boxes. It has been expertly restored, and its original features, modifications, and racing history have been preserved to create a high-quality refurbished version, ready to race again with current FIA HTP papers in Group 1 Specification. As a competition car it is special, and it is competitive. Add to that being owned and raced by Martin Brundle, one of the most well known and loved names in the Formula 1 world today, this is a very worthwhile and sensible way into competitive historic racing Having recently completed a 9-year ongoing restoration, this competitive, ex-Martin Brundle FIA HTP Group 1 competition Celica is ready to race again. More Details Lot 334 Bid On Lot 334