1962 Triumph Spitfire Ex-Works Prototype | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Ex-Works famous prototype
• Raced on circuits and rallies
• Driven by Richard Lloyd and Terry Hunter

Few competition Triumphs can rival the provenance, historical significance and documented career of '412 VC', the prototype Spitfire that became the public face of the model during its launch and later evolved into the first official Works competition Spitfire. Constructed in 1962 as one of the earliest Spitfire prototypes, '412 VC' served as Triumph's international press and publicity car, appearing extensively throughout Britain, Europe and the United States as the company's principal promotional vehicle for the new model. Originally built in right hand drive configuration, it was quickly converted to left hand drive for export market demonstrations before being returned to right hand drive and transferred to Triumph's Competitions Department.

During 1964, '412 VC' assumed an entirely new role as the factory's development and test car, becoming the Works team's invaluable 'test mule' as Triumph developed the Spitfire for international rally competition. Driven by Works drivers Roy Fidler and John Hopwood, it contested several British rallies, culminating in an outstanding 2nd overall on the 1964 Welsh Rally. The following year it continued its factory duties as the official reconnaissance car for Fred Nicklin during the 1965 Lombard RAC Rally.

The extensive development programme undertaken with '412 VC' proved instrumental in establishing the Spitfire as a competitive international rally car. In 1964, Rob Slotemaker and Terry Hunter secured a class victory in the gruelling Tour de France Automobile, defeating the highly regarded Alpine-Renaults. Further successes followed with Jean-Jacques Thuner winning class honours on the 1965 Geneva Rally before partnering Simo Lampinen to another class victory at Le Mans. Lampinen subsequently claimed outright victory in the Prototype category of the French Alpine Rally. Unfortunately, an untimely revision to the FIA's Appendix J regulations curtailed Triumph's competition programme, forcing the factory to redirect its efforts towards the Triumph 2000, bringing the Works Spitfire campaign to an end after 1965.

Following its retirement from factory service, '412 VC' continued its competition career in the capable hands of Terry Hunter before being acquired, via Peter Clark, by the young Richard Lloyd, later renowned through GTi Engineering and his successful Le Mans campaigns with Richard Lloyd Racing Porsche.

Lloyd commissioned Cox & Clarke to convert the car for circuit racing under the Gold Seal Sports Cars banner, alongside Chris Marshall, who would later become James Hunt's manager. During the 1968 and 1969 Mod Sports Championship seasons, Lloyd enjoyed considerable success with the Spitfire, most memorably securing an outright victory at a rain-soaked televised Crystal Palace meeting against a field that included heavily modified Jaguar E-Types. Another highlight came at the daunting Mugello circuit in 1969, where Lloyd shared driving duties with Peter Cox. Financial constraints temporarily curtailed Lloyd's racing career in 1970, prompting the sale of the highly successful Spitfire before his eventual return to competition with a Chevrolet Camaro in 1973. The Spitfire remained active in club racing for several further seasons before eventual retirement. In 1984 it was rediscovered by Julius Thurgood, who knew both the car and Richard Lloyd well, prompting Lloyd to reacquire his former mount. Restoration commenced in 1998 when Peter Clark was entrusted with returning the car to its original Works specification. Recommissioned for historic competition, '412 VC' once again proved highly competitive in Richard Lloyd's hands, appearing at prestigious international events including Spa-Francorchamps, Pau and Oulton Park. A particular highlight came at the 2001 Goodwood Revival, where Lloyd finished an impressive 5th overall in the Fordwater Trophy against formidable opposition comprising Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs, Jaguar XK models, Aston Martins, AC-Bristols and Works MGBs, an exceptional performance from a car powered by just 1,147cc.

Following Richard Lloyd's tragic death in an aircraft accident, '412 VC' was sold in 2008 as part of his estate. Although unused in competition for almost two decades, the car remains in excellent overall condition and presents an exciting opportunity for recommissioning before returning to the historic motorsport arena.

Offered with its original FIA Historic papers, V5 registration document and an extensive history file, '412 VC' represents one of the most significant surviving Triumph competition cars. Ex-Works competition cars of such unquestionable provenance rarely become available. Combining factory development history, period international competition, notable ownership and proven historic event eligibility, '412 VC' offers its next custodian entry into the highest echelon of historic motorsport, together with an enviable passport to many of the world's most prestigious historic racing and rally events. Consigned by James Good