Description
This exceptional Harrier has a well-documented and continuous history and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a car which is capable of being run in either open-topped LMP form or as a closed coupe GT2. The parts required to effect this conversion are included in the package and the process is relatively straightforward. As such it is a very versatile race car.
Chassis number 002 was built in 1993 as a high-performance GT for Astratech Instrumentation, to be used as a demonstrator for their new electronic dashboard displays. It subsequently became a very notable car in the history of the marque. In 1994 there was an opportunity for the car to be run at Le Mans in the LMP class, so it was returned to Harrier Cars where Lester Ray’s team converted it to meet the open top LMP regulations in time to take part in the 1994 Le Mans 24hrs, where it was run by the renowned preparers Chamberlain Engineering and driven by Rob Wilson, William Hewland and Dave Brodie.
For Le Mans, Hewland supplied the DG300 transmission and BBR supplied a full race spec Cosworth Ford YB. These are still fitted to the car but have recently been rebuilt.
After the race, LR9C-002 was converted back to closed coupe configuration and rebuilt to GT2 specification. From 1995 to 1997 it was raced in the British GT Championship by Michael Vergers, and in 1998 by Tony Soper and Roberto Giordanelli. In this time the car took on the well know liveries of Joe Bloggs and later Score Magazine. Between 2000 and 2003 it competed in the Historic Group C championship, Jaguar Car Club and various open sports and GT races driven by Ian Stinton and Tony Soper.
Between 2004 and 2012 the Harrier was raced by Tony Soper in the BRSCC Saloon and Sportscar Championship, as well as occasional appearances in Castle Combe Special GTs and other open races. The car subsequently had a full body off restoration by specialists which included the re-manufacture, by Harrier, of some of the body panels, in lightweight form.
The rebuild included:
• Authentication by the original designer, Lester Ray
• Full rebuild of the turbocharged Cosworth YB engine (Motorsport block) by DTW
• Dyno run-in and Motec ECU programmed (dyno sheets show 500+BHP)
• Installation of Motec engine management with a Motec dash and variable boost control. Astratec ECU and display removed and stored.
• Hewland DG300 gearbox rebuilt by JP Raceshop
• New front and rear (race weight) clams to period specification
• Heated front screen for GT body
• New Perspex for doors of GT body
• Full repaint inside and out
• New electric fire extinguisher equipment
• Track test and set-up
Constructed around a steel space frame, with an aluminium honeycomb flat floor and carbon fibre aero to GT2 regulations, the Harrier also benefits from a relatively low-cost engine which is currently producing 500+ bhp through a variable boost control. As such it represents a very useable, robust and cost-effective prospect for the Masters Endurance Legends series and has been confirmed as eligible for their 1995 to 2010 GT2 class.
In 2024 the chassis was re-bodied with authentic race weight LMP bodywork by Lester Ray, finished in bright white and decaled as per the Le Mans car. This gives the next owner the opportunity to run either in LMP or GT2 format, both sets of bodywork being provided with the car (the LMP in white and the GT2 in Aston Martin green). An extensive spares package is also included, including several sets of wheels and tyres, refuelling bottles, air cylinder for the air jacks, wheel nut torque wrench, air gun, intercoolers and various consumables.
A unique opportunity to run a competitive historic car in either GT2 (Masters) or LMP (Classic Le Mans) format, using an economic but powerful engine. Further current and period photos available on request.
Please note that the Harrier is currently at the owner's home, with viewings by appointment please.
