Description
Spartan Roadster 2+2 | 1978
Highlights:
– 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ford engine, petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
– Rare 2+2 version of the Spartan Roadster with four seats and four seatbelts
– Period rally history, still wearing its event and sponsor livery
– Two-tone Silver and Burgundy colour scheme with matching two-tone upholstery
– Recently passed roadworthiness inspection, valid until 2029
The professional seller offers for sale this 1978 Spartan Roadster 2+2, powered by a 1,993 cc four-cylinder Ford petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It is finished in a striking two-tone scheme of Silver and Burgundy, with the sweeping silver wings contrasting against the burgundy body, bonnet and doors. Up front, the upright chrome grille is flanked by large yellow headlamps and a pair of yellow auxiliary lamps, while the rear carries an exposed spare wheel on the boot lid. A grey soft top with side screens keeps the weather out, and the car rides on period-style multi-spoke wheels. The interior follows the same colour theme, with silver and burgundy seats, a burgundy dashboard with a full set of round instruments, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and aluminium pedals.
This Spartan has been used on numerous classic rallies over the years and still wears the race number and sponsor decals from those events, giving it an authentic, purposeful look and a story to tell. The bodywork and paint are described by the seller as being in good order, with the signs of age you would expect from a car that has been used as intended. Following a period off the road, the carburettor and fuel tank have recently been cleaned, and the car has just passed its roadworthiness inspection, which remains valid until 2029. The interior offers 2+2 seating with four seatbelts, and the upholstery is in good used condition with some minor age-related marks visible in the photos.
Spartan Cars was founded in 1973 and became one of the best-known British kit car manufacturers of its era, moving its production to Pinxton in Derbyshire in 1978. Its first and most famous model was the Roadster, a car that captured the romance of the great pre-war sports cars with long flowing wings, a tall radiator grille and separate headlamps, but built on simple, robust and readily available mechanical components. The 2+2 version, introduced in 1976 on a longer wheelbase, added a pair of rear seats and turned the Roadster into a usable classic for the whole family. Over the years, more than 4,000 Spartan kits were produced and exported to over 20 countries, yet well-preserved examples with a documented history are rarely offered today.
Much of the appeal of the Spartan lies in its mechanical simplicity. With proven Ford running gear, this example is easy to maintain and parts are widely available, while the low weight and open body deliver the kind of direct, wind-in-the-hair driving experience that is hard to find in modern cars. The combination of vintage-inspired styling, a willing 2.0-litre engine and a five-speed gearbox makes this Spartan Roadster 2+2 an entertaining companion for classic rallies, weekend tours or simply a sunny afternoon on a winding road.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Technical condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Overall condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
