2017 Dowsett Classic Cars Unique Sports Racer

Lancaster Insurance challenged Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead to go head to head in a charity 'ClassicRumble' Team Mike and Team Ant have been working tirelessly on their cars which will see both going up for auction on Saturday 11th November.

Ant's chosen charity is Harrison's Fund, which was set up by Alex Smith, a family friend of Ant's. Alex's son, Harrison, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the charity was set up to help fund research and awareness of the disease. All the money raised from the sale of this outstanding 1950's inspired Grand Prix racer will go to the foundation.

Ant chose to build this sensational racer commenting "Cars are my passion, it's what makes me tick. And while their primary function is a mode of transport I wanted to see past that and build a complete one-off, a toy. Something that was built with love and passion that still pulls the heartstrings. An original GP period single seater would cost millions, so I built one inspired by an age of motor racing that is sure to capture one person's heart. I hope that person bids big for this unique car!"

The single-seater racer has spent the majority of this year at Dowsetts Classic Cars, Ant's garage in Hertfordshire. It is powered by an MX-5 engine which has been completely overhauled and upgraded and has a bespoke balanced prop shaft and the gearbox has had a full strip down and rebuild. There have also been unique #TEAMANT touches added to the racer, to remind people of the project and the charity, including wonderful #TEAMANT engraved brass spinners and a bespoke vintage steering wheel. The lucky purchaser of this car will also receive a bespoke painting of the car by 'Art by Bex' and an exciting driving entry for the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb School for 2018 (on selected dates).

The restoration has been a real group effort, with many companies and people donating their time and products to ensure this racer is ready for the auction. Ant added: "Choosing an existing classic to restore would have been an easier option, but for me this challenge was about stretching the boundaries, raising the profile and cash for Harrisons Fund and most of all, beating Mike Brewer! What better way to do this than to build a car from a blank piece of paper and now that vision is real, and I can see, feel and touch the finished car, I know I made the right choice!".

NB: Prospective buyers should note that this car is not road legal and is not supplied with a UK V5c, but could be used for hill-climbs, sprints or as a track day car for the enthusiastic driver.