Peerless Cars Ltd. was a short-lived British auto manufacturer that produced a fiberglass-bodied vehicle called the Peerless GT between 1957 and 1960, with some 325 examples believed to have been made before the brand folded. One of the original founders gave the project a second go-round, renaming the company Bernard Roger Developments and the automobile the Warwick GT, but only managed to make about 40 cars before production ceased for the second and final time in 1962. This 1958 model here on eBay needs restoring, but it’s undoubtedly worth saving, given the rarity and uniqueness. This one is located in Los Angeles, California, and comes with a price tag of $14,750. However, the seller has also welcomed the opportunity to make an offer.
The Peerless cars are sometimes referred to as Phase 1 and Phase 2, with the latter often getting more praise for its improved design and better build quality. It’s certainly a plus that this Phase 1 appears to be mostly complete on the outside, and while some straightening and miscellaneous body repairs will be awaiting the next owner, most of the exterior parts seem good enough to work with. Another positive is that the body is constructed from fiberglass, so there’s no need to worry about rust on the panels.
Although the Peerless GT had a unique body, the car borrowed its running gear from a Triumph TR3, including the 4-cylinder powerplant and dual carburetors. Details regarding the engine here are sparse, with the seller only revealing that it’s not currently running. There are no other specifics provided, such as how long it has been since the motor was last operational, or whether it will still turn over. The good news is that most of the components under the hood appear to still be present and in fairly good order, so hopefully, the buyer will be able to get this one functioning again without a complete overhaul, at least not right away.
While the glove box door is missing, some of the dashboard appears to remain in pretty good condition, especially the instruments. However, the seats, door panels, and other interior items will need to be sourced or refreshed as part of the restoration. As it sits now, this one’s a long way from the finish line, but considering how seldom these cars come around, I hope this 1958 Peerless GT ends up in the hands of somebody who has the skills and desire to bring it back to life. What are your thoughts on this rare British saloon sportster?
Got one, the 18th car “off the line” ha ha. Currently undergoing reconditioning. While fiberglass affords freedom from rust, its bane is cracks in the gel coat. That will produce as much body work as rust.
There is no glove box lid. It is a lined, open cavity. Other oddities include two gas tanks in the car’s sills, and a switch to drain one, then the other. Seats are shaped buckets both front and rear, amazingly comfortable.
The driving experience is wonderful, with the frisky TR3 running gear and the lightweight body.
First off, this is one really neat little car, and I seriously hope it gets restored.
And secondly, Michelle this is amazing you have one of these rare sports cars and glad you’re restoring yours. Please send photos while your restoring it. I’d like to see it done.
This is your car in a previous life, Michelle. I wrote about it for Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car back in 2011, and it appeared in the October issue, #74.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/all-that-the-name-implies-1958-peerless-g-t-two-litre/
Thanks so much, Mark! I’ll hunt that issue down – some guy at a swap meet or on eBay may have it.
The interior can be worked on. My first concern would be the tail lights. Were these some off the shelf parts? Gordon-Keeble. What a perfect name for a British sports car.
Tail lights look the same shape as Lucas 548 used on Alvis TD 21 and Aston Martin DB4 S1, S2
Very cool Michelle! What do these weigh? Many of the “cottage industry” Brits useful the TR3/4 chassis. (Even Daimler for the SP250 Dart) As much as I think it needs to be restored to original. Given the strength of the chassis. I would be tempted to install something with more scoot! I really like the body lines. Very Astonish.
Doesn’t need another LS but a Hemi would be different 😁😁😁
One lucky lady is Michelle. With Triumph TR2/3 running gear there is no lack of spare parts if required, and of course, it will go like stink due to the fibreglass body. Not a fan of the shade of green but to each his own.
I agree with the others, Michelle. You are amazing.
These are pretty cool!!
Put a modern driveline in it and enjoy it.
Dennis, why does it need a modern driveline? These Triumph engines are virtually bullet proof as are the gearboxes, disc brakes, differential etc. spares are readily available and they will keep up with any of the normal traffic that you get in America. I’m just waiting for some twit to say “Needs a SBC!” These cars are already very rare so anybody that drops a modern drive train into it is not doing the classic car fraternity any favours.
The seller Beverlyhillscarclub. It is always fun to look at their other listings.
dont like the shop tho
kinda same biz model as Gulwing on other coast…
The Peerless is a predecessor to the Gordon-Keeble as well. The Gordon-Keeble got a Chevy V8 but was only available in Right Hand Drive.
Interesting Brit vehicle. I have never seen one. It has great lines very similar to Facel Vega of the period! The interior would be a fun and easy fix!
funny, I’m seein 1 of my fave: the pininfarina
designed ’58/60 Nash Rambler (2 dor’n waggy).
And thus… I see the windshield as alill low or ‘narrow’
top to bottom~
Thnx 4 da listin Mike !
lub ta C the 2L 6 in here (from 1.6 vitesse upa level to 1998cc
as seen in GT6: Mrk I, II & III), a lill 5 speed or the 4 w/ele OD…
I vintage race a Triumph GT6, and one of my fellow racers has been running one of these for several decades. I see Mark Rosenberg regularly at Summit Point and Lime Rock.
You can find a detailed write-up on his car and lots of photos here https://www.britishracecar.com/MarkRosenberg-Peerless-GT.htm
These are lovely, and Michelle that green one is gorgeous, great picture too.
Love how the dark color brings out the “double-bubble” hood blisters.
Saw one on a local (SoCal) rally, his buddy came over from England and they drove the 2-day event together.
Anyway. I am a fiberglass guy, so this enchants me, want to dive into it.
Modern drivetrain? Absolutely, I would throw an NA or NB Miata drivetrain and wiring harness in here, and probably never go back.
Interior is a blank slate, “salt to taste” as the cooking people say.
There was some MotorTrend TV show that said,
“In 195x, there was 154 car manufacturers in England, but only 4 chassis manufacturers. (like this TR3 based Peerless) A whole industry created around coachbuilding.”
Love it.
I race a Triumph GT6 in vintage and one of my fellow racers has run a nicely prepared one of these for decades . I see Mark Rosenberg regularly at Summit Point and Lime Rock. A nice write up and photos of his car can be found on British V8. Tried to attach a link before but the message kept getting deleted- ahh, technology!
Scott, your post with the link finally showed up. I find that it can take hours to a day for posts with pictures and/or links to show up because they have to be moderated first.
Thanks for including it, that is one nice Peerless.
The British magazine Practical classics ran a series of articles on restoring one of theses a couple of years back
Saw my first one in about 1964, parked in a West Philadelphia alley. There’s a very nice restored example in the Denver area.
Cool little coupe.
This from Michelle says it all.
“ The driving experience is wonderful, with the frisky TR3 running gear and the lightweight body.”
This will make a sweet project for someone. Though buy-in looks a little rich for what you will have in the long run if you restore it. Outside of that value this one will make a great driver with its existing drive train, as mentioned, once made road worthy at whatever level it’s taken to!
Very nicely-styled GT, almost Italian looking in red! Only things I’d modify would be to delete those funny little tailfins and figure out something just a bit better for the grille/headlights area. I think I’d do the interior in tan leather. Not quite sure what I’d do with the engine and drivetrain.
The fin delete has been done and turns the GT into a very ugly creation. Yes, I am a purist! 😉
Surprised no-one has mentioned that the Peerless GT was a class winner at le Mans in 1958.
As Michelle Rand attests, they make good competition cars still.
And kudos to Phil for the Gordon-Keeble connection. A Chevy V8 engined Peerless build was indeed the first step in that dirction.
What a great looking car. If they can get a 289 in a Sunbeam, there’s plenty of room for one here. How about a Peerless Panther in Jet Black.
My son and I have #94. Left hand drive. It is patiently awaiting restoration, after a Spitfire, a TR4 and a TR4-A. I told my son I wanted to at least drive it before I died (I’m 78 he better get busy).