The Prototype Deep Sanderson 301 took part in the 24-hour Le Mans, Spa and Nurburgring races in 1963 and 1964. However, the vehicle isn’t just a piece of history: it is eligible for 1960s GT sports car competitions and invited to the Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed.
The prototype was originally developed by builder and racer Chris Lawrence, being powered by a rear-mounted Mini Minor powerplant.
“Deciding he wanted to race a car of his own design at Le Mans, Lawrence further developed the prototype into a racer. It made its debut at Le Sarthe in 1963 and became the first Mini derivative to be an international sports car racer, (rather than rallying), preceding the Mini Marcos by four years. The 301 ran for 20 hours in Le Mans, leading the Index of Performance before being disqualified on a spurious technicality. Competing in 1963 endurance races in Le Mans, Nurburgring and Spa with its original 988 cc engine, it challenged the 1964 Le Mans 24-hours with a BMC Abingdon factory-supported 1293 cc experimental engine,” explains the press release.
The vehicle is offered with a complete documentation, history, restoration photographs and others, including a copy of the builder’s book “Morgan Maverick”, which details the car’s story.
"Silverstone Auctions is quickly achieving momentum, with some exceptional lots being offered by our clients," said Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale.
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