1971 Trident Clipper Coupè

Registration no. ADE 108J Chassis no. 7113

Footnotes

The Trident Clipper started out as a Trevor Fiore styling exercise commissioned by TVR and exhibited at the Geneva Salon in 1965. When the Blackpool-based sports car maker went through one of its many financial crises, the Clipper project was sold to Bill Last, one of its dealers. Early Clippers used the TVR Grantura chassis before Last switched first to the Austin-Healey 3000 frame and then to that of the Triumph TR6 for the related Venturer and Tycoon models. Ford V8 engines were used for the glassfibre-bodied Clipper, though two late examples were completed with Chrysler units. It is estimated that Trident built approximately 120 cars of all models between 1967 and 1978.

Early history of this car is unknown, although the last four digits of the chassis number ('7113') indicate that it is the 13th car built in 1971. The Clipper was not registered in the UK and subsequent research has revealed that it resided in South Africa and then Zambia in its early life. The current owner purchased the Clipper in the UK and had it rebuilt to 'as new' condition by Tim Walker Restorations Ltd of Woodham near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The accompanying and very comprehensive file shows that all components were restored wherever possible or replaced with new parts (bills available).

The Ford V8 engine was unusable and the latest equivalent - the 302ci (5.0-litre) Windsor unit producing 330bhp - was purchased new from Real Steel and installed together with its associated five-speed gearbox. Air conditioning and Kenwood satellite navigation were added as sensible upgrades, these being the other main variations from the original specification. The original seat frames were restored and re-padded, and the interior re-trimmed in a combination of grey and dark blue leather. The brakes, transmission, suspension, and electrics were all replaced, while the Webasto sunroof was renewed by the same craftsman who fitted the original 40 years ago.

Offered with a V5C document, MoT to February 2021, and the aforementioned history file. Having covered fewer than 800 miles since restoration, this most attractive and unusual car represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an extensively restored example of a rare British GT at a fraction of the rebuild costs.