Spectre SP1 Angel: The Unconventional British Supercar Making Waves

Another Attempts - The allure of the Spectre brand lingered in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in the UK, well into the 2000s. Despite the cessation of operations by the small British automaker in 1998, following the successful production of the Spectre R42 – a contemporary iteration of the iconic Ford GT40 for the 90s – the brand's legacy endured with its lesser-known successor, the R45.

The Spectre SP1 Angel – a P107 prototype that validated the concept in 2003, after the brand acquired by by C2P (Concept to Production) Ltd. in 2000. (Picture from: Supercars of eBay)

In 2000, the rights and assets of Spectre were acquired by C2P (Concept to Production) Ltd., a move that marked the beginning of a clandestine development phase for a new Spectre model. 

The Spectre SP1 Angel – a P107 prototype crafted with a lightweight carbon fiber body, this sleek two-seater retains its original zebra stripe camouflage from the initial road testing phase. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Simultaneously engaged in providing automotive consultancy to diverse manufacturers, C2P embarked on the design of a new supercar, code-named Project 007. The fruit of their labor materialized in the form of the Spectre SP1 Angel – a P107 prototype that validated the concept in 2003 and is now a uniquely road-registered vehicle in the UK.

The Spectre SP1 Angel – a P107 prototype features a luxurious cabin adorned with a blend of leather, Alcantara, and Wilton carpets, accessible through its distinctive scissor doors. (Picture from: SouthwaysAutomotive)

Crafted with a lightweight carbon fiber body, this sleek two-seater retains its original zebra stripe camouflage from the initial road testing phase. Accessible through scissor doors, the custom cabin boasts a luxurious combination of leather, Alcantara, and Wilton carpets. A peek through the glass partition behind the seats reveals the heart of the beast – a 4.6-liter Ford V8 positioned ahead of the rear axle, seamlessly connected to a CIMA 6-speed manual transmission.

The Spectre SP1 Angel – a P107 prototype powered by a 4.6-liter Ford V8 positioned ahead of the rear axle, seamlessly connected to a CIMA 6-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Supercars of eBay)

Quoting RareComponentCars, after completing its test and development program, the P107 found itself in storage until 2009, when a new owner acquired it, still donned in its camouflage livery. Concurrently, PB207/A was sold as a body to a customer, mounted on an R45 prototype chassis for an ambitious racing project.

The Spectre SP1 Angel, a P107 prototype, features an engine positioned ahead of the rear axle, intricately bolted above the tubular space-frame chassis. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Originally acquired as a partially dismantled prototype, the current owner invested five years meticulously rebuilding the car to meet UK regulation standards, culminating in its 2015 registration. The exceptional P107 comes with a surplus of spares, allowing the next custodian to personalize the vehicle. A detailed specification sheet is available upon request.

The Specter SP1 Angel P407 model, alongside the P507, emerged in 2011 to explore collaboration with an Italian automotive company. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

The Angel's journey took an intriguing turn, as narrated on Spectre's website: "In 2011, prototypes P407 and P507 underwent evaluation at an Italian firm considering the integration of 007 chassis technology into their unique designs." Closure of the Italian company led to the impoundment of P407 and P507 in Italy, requiring over three years of negotiations for their return to the UK.

The Spectre SP1 Angel P407 model's cabin boasts two luxurious genuine leather seats, complemented by a modern layout dashboard and center console. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Despite this, Spectre, aligning with low-carbon transport, abandoned plans for a V12 petrol-engined car. This unique automobile offers a platform for the development of a bespoke British Supercar or an exhilarating drive on open roads. Prospective owners should anticipate frequent stops and inquiries, as this attention-grabbing car draws a crowd.

Spectre, as pictured with the SP1 Angel P407 model, opted to forgo plans for a V12 petrol-engined car, instead focusing on providing a platform for bespoke supercar development. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Surprisingly, Spectre's supercar saga continues beyond the SP1. In 2020, rumors circulated that, with support from the Niche Vehicle Network, a segment of Cenex, Spectre unveiled the Spectre SP2 electric sports car. The SP2 following the layout of its predecessors boasts a mid-mounted powertrain, two seats, and an all-aluminum chassis with a composite, unstressed body.

The chassis integrates a semi-integrated lithium-ion battery, with the casing's three sides contributing to the structure. An initial prototype has emerged, and road testing is scheduled for later in 2020, pending the final powertrain installation.

Yet, the destiny of this electric endeavor remains veiled, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the prospective continuation of Spectre's legacy within the burgeoning realm of electric mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAUKMOTORS.CO.UK | RARECOMPONENTCARS | CARTEFACTS | SOUTHWAYS AUTOMOTIVE ]

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