1964 Albatross Continental Mark II Speedboat

• One of circa 1,300 Albatross speedboats made
• One of only 164 fitted with Coventry Climax engines
• Rare four-seater Continental model
• Exceptionally restored to concours condition by Albatross Marine
• New Coventry Climax FWB 1500 engine
• Complete with original Albatross trailer

Founded by engineers Peter Hives and Archie Peace, Albatross Marine of St Olaves, Great Yarmouth built high-quality speedboats from 1949 to 1966. Peace had been trained by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and the Albatross was designed using aircraft techniques and built out of aluminium, a material in plentiful supply in the after-war years. Around 1,300 of various types were made, the most desirable being those fitted with the Coventry Climax engine, like that offered here. '1252' is a rare Continental model, the four-seat variant of the Albatross two-seater speedboat, an example of which is on display at the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall.

The Albatross was a quality product and attracted a distinguished clientele. Brigitte Bardot was photographed in an Albatross at St Tropez, while HRH Prince Phillip once owned two, which were kept on board the Royal Yacht Britannia and used for water skiing. Aristotle Onassis owned an Albatross; Prince Rainier of Monaco had six at one time; Thai racing driver Prince Bira owned another; and Lord and Lady Docker kept one (for water skiing) aboard their classic super yacht, Shemara. Albatross speedboats were raced successfully in the Paris Six-Hour race and were championed by the late David Nations, once described by Lord Mountbatten as 'the father of British water skiing'. Sold all around the world, these charming little boats were adored by royalty, celebrities and boat enthusiasts alike.

Albatross number '1227' has been exceptionally well restored to original concours condition by Albatross Marine and other specialists. Completed in May 2022, the rebuild included a new Coventry Climax FWB 1500 engine complete with original Albatross castings. The total cost of the rebuild was circa £57,000, plus £1,500 for the purchase of a donor craft (bills and pre-restoration photographs are available). The Albatross also comes with a Hart Power Ltd dynamometer test sheet showing a maximum power output of 101.4bhp at 5,984rpm. Included in the sale is an original road/launching trailer (with spare wheel), tonneau cover, ratchet straps and Albatross Marine insignia, flags, etc.

Last used on a Caledonia Canal cruise in May 2022, this beautiful and rare Albatross speedboat has been used for just over 6 hrs since its restoration, where it has performed perfectly. This example would make the perfect companion for any Coventry Climax-powered single-seater or sports-racer.