Vehicle Description
In the late 1950s, John Gordon (later of Gordon-Keeble fame) and
James Byrnes approached Bernie Rodger, a racing mechanic with
considerable experience in spaceframe construction, to help them
create a new 2+2 sports car. The prototype was named the Warwick,
but by the time the production car was ready to sell in 1958, it
was renamed the Peerless GT. The Peerless GT featured Italianate
styling, leaf-sprung De Dion rear suspension and a drivetrain
sourced from Triumph consisting of the TR3's pushrod 2.0-litre
engine, overdrive gearbox, front suspension, and front disc brakes.
Production bodies were now of made of fiberglass construction
instead of the prototype's aluminum. A very capable car, the
Peerless stood apart from competitors by offering room for a small
family and their luggage. The Peerless was good for a top speed of
more than 110mph and was relatively affordable, approximately the
price of a Jaguar 2.4-litre sedan. In 1958 a Peerless first
participated in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. The only four-seater in
the field, it finished a respectable 16th place overall. Despite an
enthusiastic reception and all the valuable publicity gained from
its Le Mans appearances, Peerless was soon in financial trouble and
production ceased in 1960 after an estimated 325 cars had been
made. Bernie Rodger then revived the design in an improved form as
the Warwick, but by the end of 1961, it was gone as well. This
fascinating 1959 Peerless, S/N GT200278, #278 is one of
approximately 50 Phase II examples produced. It was purchased by
the current owner and imported to the U.S. Restoration work
performed under current ownership included a high-quality repaint
of the fiberglass bodywork. The color was changed from blue to the
current color Florida Green, a beautiful Austin-Healey color with
black and white over-the-top stripes. Features include leather
trunk lid straps, dual chrome fuel filler caps, a cowl-mounted
electrical cutoff switch, Talbot side-view mirrors, a hood scoop,
driving lamps and last but not least, a small set of tail fins. The
15? wire wheels with knock-off hubs are wrapped with a set
period-style Avon crossply tires, for an authentic stance and
handling. A spare chrome wire wheel with a Goodyear GT 80 tire
rests in the trunk of the car. The racing-inspired tubular steel
frame features a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion
rear axle with leaf springs. Stopping power is provided by 11?
Girling front disc brakes and 10? rear drums. The interior features
fixed-back bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support that were
reupholstered in gray leather by Midwest Auto Tops & Upholstery of
Orland Park, Illinois, in March 2018. A matching headliner, dash
trim, and door panels were fitted at that time along with
contrasting black carpets. Additionally, the inviting interior is
equipped with a locking glovebox, billet shift knob, under-dash map
light, and a fire-suppression system, as well as a highly desirable
Halda Speedpilot rally timer. A full complement of Smiths
instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, a 6,000 rpm
tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The lively Triumph inline-four
was rebuilt and bored to 2,288cc by TR Enterprises of Mansfield,
England, in 2010 and subsequently fitted with dual Weber 45 DCOE
carburetors and resealed in July 2016. Additional upgrades include
a finned TR Enterprises valve cover, a high-torque starter motor,
an electronic distributor, four-into-one exhaust headers, and an
electric cooling fan. The fire-suppression system is plumbed into
the engine bay. The powerful Peerless is shifted through a
four-speed manual transmission with a Laycock De Normanville
overdrive on third and fourth gears. A lightened flywheel and an AP
Racing clutch were added along with a Salisbury differential that
was rebuilt in 2003. Dual Facet electric fuel pumps were installed
under previous ownership, and new fuel hoses were added recently as
well. The pretty Peerless has led an active life with several
enthusiastic owners. It took part in the 2012 Pomeroy Trophy at
Silverstone, and later the Beaujolais Run charity rally,
demonstrating its versatility as a circuit racer and Grand Tourer.
In most recent ownership and since its cosmetic restoration, it was
shown at the prestigious 2023 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
This stunning Peerless GT is equally ready for the road or the
track. Close attention to detail is evident in every area of this
rare car. Accompanying the Peerless are service records, V5C
documents, articles about the car, tool roll, and a pair of British
number plates. Quick, snappy, and a blast to drive, this rare and
highly enjoyable automobile is perfect for the sports car
enthusiast who desires something unusual, but demands quality and
performance. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7499-1959-peerless-gt/
