A very special 60th Anniversary for the Unipower GT at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025

Our 60th Anniversary Celebration went superbly at the annual Classic Motor Show following our participation last year.

In addition to my Ex-Works Race Car, the other two superb examples on display were very kindly provided by Mark Glaisher and Guy Monty.

Mark has owned his 1967 LHD version since 2010 and is fitted with a 1275 'S; engine & gearbox, He and his car were a participant in the Cartier Concours at a recent Goodwood Festival of Speed and he uses the car on a regular 'Sunny afternoon' drive.

Guy's pristine example is a real 'homage' to his late father Geoff, who's very last Unipower GT produced in late-1969 was the only car to be painted in the two-tone colour combination of Amber/White. Guy purchased the car in 2019 when it was found to have been poorly restored after having had a very chequered past life. After a huge amount of work it is now resplendent in its striking colours, on a new body and fully restored chassis and fitted with a correct 1275 'S' engine & gearbox. The level of detail that Guy has painstakingly applied to its restoration is truly remarkable, making this one of, if not currently THE best example of the marque.

My ex-Works Race Car acquired in 1976, was first ordered as the first Competition version at the launch of the marque in January 1966. Further developed by the factory for its first owner, it was later bought by Piers Weld-Forester who subsequently bought the Unipower GT project in late 1968, during which time it competed mostly in the UK. With Unipower Cars participation in the 1969 World Sports Car Championship, this car finished 9th at the Nürburgring 500kms. The following round, the Barcelona 12hrs, was to see it retired after 9hrs with gearbox problems. Since my acquiring the car I have been very successful over many years of Circuit racing and the odd Sprint/Hill-climb. Apart from regular participation in Modified Sports Car races and Historic Championships (HSCC Guards Trophy), notable achievements have been 2nd place overall in the HSCC 2ltr Sports Car Championship in 1986, Brighton Speed Trails Class 6 winner five-years in succession (a record and never now to be beaten), three times participation in the Le Mans 24hrs Legends and twice at the Circuit of Reims Gueux celebration races.

Classic Motor Show attendance was tremendous with over 72,500 visitors over the three days with the three of us being kept very busy chatting to visitors and informing them about a very rare car. The reaction from everyone was so very positive, with a number of requests to be put in touch with potential sellers. More on this hopefully later.

We were able to welcome to the stand on the Friday, Gerry Wheeler who used to build the cars in the latter years at UPD & UWF. Gerry was able to advise Guy on some final trim fitting questions he had, but then was insistent that he would sit in Guy's car. At 89, we thought this might be challenging, but before we knew it Gerry was behind the wheel, an emotional moment indeed after 55-years !.

Regrettably Ernie Unger, Val Dare-Bryan or Simon Beecher (all ex-UPD or Unipower Cars) could attend for health and other reasons, however other visitors included Tom Powell, son of the Tim Powell who provided the premises and initial where with all to build the cars under the Universal Power Drives banner as well as current owners from Switzerland and the UK.

The 2025 Show was a great success and well worth doing. My grateful thanks to both Guy & Mark without whose commitment and effort this event would not have been possible.

As Ernie Unger, the founder of the Unipower GT, said at the marques 50th Anniversary celebration, We never ever imagined that our creations would be around after 50-years !.

Well its been 60-years now Ernie and whilst inevitably running cars are becoming rarer, hopefully shows like this will help to introduce a new generation to what is truly a very special 'special' in automotive history and long may they continue.

Gerry Hulford