1983 | Ralt RT3 Formula 3

Lot details

Year: 1983
Make: Ralt
Model: Formula 3
Registration: n/a
Odometer: n/a

• Offered with a fully working trailer
• Slick and wet tyres included with spares

Ralt was originally a manufacturer of single-seater racing cars, founded by ex-Jack Brabham associate Ron Tauranac after he sold his interest in Brabham to Bernie Ecclestone. Ron and his brother had built some specials in Australia in the 1950s under the Ralt name (standing for Ron and Austin Lewis Tauranac). Tauranac won the 1954 NSW Hillclimb Championship in the Ralt 500.

Tauranac founded the later incarnation of Ralt in 1974 and the first product was the RT1, a simple and versatile car used in Formula Two, Formula Three and Formula Atlantic racing between 1975 and 1978. In 1979, the RT2 was developed for Formula Two, with three cars being built for the Toleman team. Later, three more cars were built for private owners, including one exclusively for the revival of the Can-Am series. For 1980 Toleman built its own car, the TG280, which was based somewhat on the RT2 design; this was later built under licence by Lola as the T850 and further modified by Docking-Spitzley as the DS1. Two of the original Toleman RT2s were later raced in Can-Am, while the third ended up in South Africa, where copies called Lants were made. Related cars have appeared in hill climb and sprint events in the UK as Romans and SPAs. The RT2 also provided the basis for three cars in other categories: the RT3 in Formula Three, the RT4 in Formula Atlantic (which was also occasionally raced in Formula Two), and the RT5 in Formula Super Vee.

This example is presented in white with no decals and is offered with its trailer and set of slicks. We believe it was produced in 1987 and has been used in many sprint and hill climb events of the era. Paperwork accompanying the car includes documents from Engine Developments Ltd or Rugby which provide engine details from the engine in 1987, a Volkswagen sourced unit, stating 160bhp at 5,250-5,500rpm output and a measurement of torque. Our vendor states he has had this running in the last 12 months but the car will need recommissioning. Complete with much of the build and maintenance documentation, firing order and wiring diagrams etc. It is not a true unknown and viewing will satisfy any potential buyer of the specifics. Hewland Engineering appear to have been responsible for installing the Hewland Mk. 8/9 transaxle gearbox with dyno tests available within the history file. Our vendor has had this dry stored for many years since last used in anger. It is supplied with a fully working trailer, some spares, a set of slick tyres along with the wets it is currently wearing and a box full of build sheet details. This is an opportunity to rekindle hill climb or sprint race/track day fun in a fabulous piece of 80's engineering, offered without reserve. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Guide price £7,000-£12,000