1971 Burlington SS Prototype No. 001

The Burlington SS was conceived during the late 1970s by Haydn Davies, founder of the Burlington Motor Company. Inspired by sporting cars of the 1930s, Davies combined traditional coachbuilding methods and classical British roadster styling with dependable, readily available Triumph mechanical components. Approximately 120 SS kits were subsequently produced, making surviving examples an uncommon sight today.The car offered here is of particular historical significance, being Burlington SS number 001: the very first example, constructed by Haydn Davies himself in 1979. Believed to be based upon a 1971 Triumph donor vehicle, it represents the beginning of the Burlington story and the prototype from which the company's subsequent SS production developed. Its construction comprises a central body tub clothed in aluminium, with glassfibre wings and nose section originally supplied using Morgan-derived components. Further Morgan parts include the bumpers, windscreen and side screens, while a pair of Brooklands-style aero screens completes the purposeful period appearance. The car is presented in coach-painted British Racing Green and sits on 15-inch alloy wheels.The left hand drive cockpit is trimmed in green Connolly leather with matching green carpets and tonneau cover. An oak-stained dashboard houses a comprehensive complement of metric instruments, creating an interior that successfully blends traditional British craftsmanship with a sporting, driver-focused character. Power comes from a modified 1,300cc Triumph Spitfire four-cylinder engine equipped with a Roadrace camshaft and twin 1½-inch SU carburettors. During restoration, the engine was upgraded and repositioned approximately 20cm further rearward, improving its placement within the chassis. The manual gearbox is equipped with overdrive operating on the upper ratios, providing six effective forward speeds. The suspension has also been enhanced with lighter coil springs and adjustable Spax dampers throughout, contributing to the light, responsive character expected of this traditional open sportscar.Between 2006 and 2011, number 001 was the subject of a comprehensive professional restoration undertaken by experienced coachbuilders, engineers and mechanics. The work is recorded in exceptional detail within an approximately 400-page book containing photographs and written descriptions of the restoration, supported by extensive additional documentation.This represents a rare opportunity to acquire not merely an example of the Burlington SS, but the first car built: a historically important prototype with direct Haydn Davies provenance, an extensively documented professional restoration and a uniquely appealing specification. Consigned by Mathew PriddyGuide Price £6,000-£10,000Further Items supplied with the car:2x aero screens (original)2x aero screens (brand new, boxed)Various types of wing mirrors (Morgan parts) A protective bell housing screen400 pages of documentation 001 Burlington SSService history whist in France from 2011 to the present dayUK V5Lot detailsYear: 1971/1979Make: BurlingtonModel: SS Prototype No. 001Registration: TWH 164KChassis No: GE82631SCOdometer: tba
First Burlington SS, built in 1979 by company founder Haydn Davies
Professionally documented restoration 2006-2011 with 400-page record

Description

Apollo Capital - Luxury & Supercar Finance

Specifications

Reviews

Write a review