Registration – 56 SC

Chassis No. – GD468RS

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 520

The Special Formosa GR120 is an evocation loosely based on a number of 1950’s classic racing cars such as the Jaguar C-Type, Ferrari 750 Monza or Maserati 300S. This eye-catching example is as special as its non-transferable registration number – ‘56 SC.’ The donor chassis was that of a 1965 Triumph Herald and hence the DVLA date and “Triumph” prefix. In all other respects this is a decidedly more modern sports car, however, having been completed only around 500 miles ago and boasting a Ford Zetec 16-valve engine and running gear. ‘56 SC’ chooses to emphasise the Maserati 300S in its design DNA with numerous trident emblems making an appearance. Thanks to the donor car’s Historic Vehicle status ‘56 SC’ is MOT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty. As such, this head turning evocation is ready to enjoy immediately.

‘56 SC’ really does look amazing. Its deep metallic purple paintwork has a glass-like gloss finish that really showcases the metal flake content of the finish very well indeed. There are a host of period style features on show, too, really evoking those iconic racing cars of the 1950’s. These include the vestigial, Perspex fly screen, the teardrop driver’s headrest cowl and the “56” door numbers and associated Esso decals. A Maserati trident adorns the grill, and the black finished, cross spoked wire wheels look very reminiscent of the 1950’s. These are affixed with twin eared central spinners and wear a set of vintage look 16-inch radial style tyres. The sports focussed cabin is predominantly finished with unadorned alloy panels. A pair of black bucket seats are fitted finished with horizonal padded pleats and punctuated with vintage style alloy eyelets. A fine looking Astrali steering wheel is fitted with a polished wooden rim. The alloy dashboard is populated with a set of white on black gauges.

The Formosa business was started by a pattern maker and fibreglass laminator that worked for Sunseeker Yachts. The shrewd choice of a 1950’s style design that wasn’t specifically based on any particular model saved Formosa the costly legal wrangles that others had endured. The business is still in operation today, making parts reassuringly attainable if needed.

In summary:

· A fantastic looking evocation with modern underpinnings

· Boasting a sublime finish, guaranteed to turn heads

· Reported to sound as good as it looks