Ronart W152 classic cars for sale

History of the Ronart W152

The Ronart W152 was conceptualised by Ronart Cars in the UK as a tribute to the golden days of motorsport, particularly the pre-war and post-war Grand Prix racers. Drawing direct stylistic inspiration from legendary cars such as the Mercedes-Benz W154 (1938), Lotus T12 (1956), and Jaguar XK-SS (1956), the W152 captures the raw spirit of competition machines from the era when racing was both an art and a test of engineering bravery. The prominent oval 'fish mouth' grille and overlong sidepipes are signature features echoing its racing lineage. Built on the respected Jaguar E-Type chassis and equipped with a 4.2-litre Jaguar engine, it merges credibility and performance with a distinctive, nostalgic visual presence. Production was intentionally kept low, with only 127 W152s leaving the Ronart workshop, making each unit a piece of focused, handcrafted automotive heritage.

Model Series History

The W152 stands as the centrepiece of Ronart’s production history—no direct predecessor or successor models exist within the brand. The car was constructed with a focus on combining classic British sports car engineering, utilising the proven Jaguar E-Type chassis, with bodywork that channelled the aerodynamic forms of 1950s race cars. Modifications and upgrades to individual cars were not uncommon, with some vehicles receiving TÜV certification for road use. Due to the limited production run, the W152 remains the main thread in Ronart’s model lineage.

Highlights of the Ronart W152

Key features of the Ronart W152 include its evocative motorsport styling, the dominant front grille for improved cooling, period-correct overlong sidepipes, multi-spoke wire wheels fitted with 235x15 Avon tyres, and the robust 4.2-litre Jaguar powerplant. The steel spaceframe with integrated safety cell reflects a strong focus on driving dynamics and occupant safety, a rarity for such homage-style classics. Each example is distinctly rare; only 127 units were produced. Many cars are bespoke with different allowable modifications for road use, enhancing individuality within the tight production numbers.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

While all W152 units are inherently special due to the extremely limited production, some cars have been modified or personalised—ranging from subtle setup changes for circuit or road use, to unique paintwork and special trim. TÜV-approved conversions for full road legality exist, granting additional significance within the already small community of W152 owners.

Engine, Transmission, Handling and Driving Dynamics

The 4.2-litre Jaguar engine delivers notable power and torque, matched to the W152’s lightweight, tubular chassis. With E-Type-derived suspension and braking, the handling is precise, direct, and evocative of mid-century race cars. Driving a W152 is a unique experience—raw, involving, and acoustically dominated by the dramatic sidepipes. The car’s lightness, broad track, and Avon rubber ensure high levels of grip; the large grille ensures consistent cooling even under aggressive driving conditions. Given the one-model focus, each W152 may have small individual modifications, but all share the core technical components. No sub-models are separately noteworthy, but custom builds may attract attention due to individual road certification or race-inspired configurations.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Design of the W152 is functional and deliberately reminiscent of 1950s and 60s racers. The standout oval grille, long proportioned bonnet, oversized wire wheels, and external side exhausts are authentic to pre- and post-war race aesthetics. Cyclist-style fairing, spartan cockpit layouts, and minimal driver aids prevail inside—comfort is secondary to immersion and period accuracy. Exterior finishes are often bespoke, sometimes featuring historically inspired liveries or custom paint. Accessory options and specialist equipment are dependent on the build specification of each car, but period-correct instrumentation and minimal upholstery are typical.

Other features

Given the W152’s rarity and customisable nature, some examples feature track-day focused modifications, such as roll bars or altered suspension setups. The possibility for TÜV road approval in certain cars is a notable feature for prospective buyers looking for both track and road usability.

Summary

The Ronart W152 unites British engineering prowess and respect for motorsport heritage, reinterpreting the aesthetic and performance of 1950s racing cars in a modern, enthusiast-focused package. With only 127 ever built, each car is a handcrafted piece blending reliable Jaguar mechanics with strikingly evocative design. The W152 remains the hallmark of the Ronart brand, recognised by both its total presence in market listings and in the hearts of classic motorsport aficionados.