1961 Warwick GT350
Original factory prototype
Period Goodwood History
FIA HTP until 2026
Arguably the most affordable Goodwood entrant

“Best of Britain and Buick”

In 1960 Peerless Cars found themselves in financial difficulty and were soon forced into liquidation. Rather than throwing the towel Director Bernard (Bernie) Rodgers decided to form a new company. Premises were found near Slough and Bernard Rodgers Development Ltd was established. Work began on a prototype “Warwick” a name derived from the County in which the ideas was conceived, Warwickshire.
To attract clients in the USA Bernie Rodgers decided to experiment with a standard All Aluminum Buick V8, the same engine that became so well known for its application in the Rover 3500, MGB V8, Land Rovers and MGB’s, Marcos LM500 etc.

The car we are presenting, WGT00006 is the very first factory prototype and demonstrator for the 1961 program and was first described as a GT350 in the 1961 edition of the Illustrated book of cars.

This unique Warwick Works development car was discovered many years ago by the respected West Sussex collector Hugh James who carried out a complete restoration and later sold the car to Jim Prentice. In more recent years the car was sold to a Belgian collector who further improved the car for historic racing.

Period Competition History
1961 RAC Rally
1961 Goodwood Motor Show test day
1961 Silverstone 6 hour relay race
1961 Brighton speed trials
1961 Brands Hatch Bank holiday meet
1961 British empire trophy
1961 Goodwood Whitsun Trophy. GT scratch race driven by Bernie Rodgers.

Contemporary Competition History
2009 Goodwood Revival Meeting, Fordwater Trophy for production sportscars.
2015 Historic Zandvoort Trophy

Some specs
• Only 900KG
• Alloy Buick 3500cc, V8, 210 HP with plenty of room for increased power
• UK Title and V5 as a Warwick 2L
• TR4 Front discs
• Rebuilt Salisbury LSD

Recent work includes
• New set of GAZ custom-made shock absorbers
• New custom competition leaf springs
• New suspension rubbers
• New steering box
• New heat coated exhaust headers
• New stainless-steel Exhaust with option for reduced noise
• New brake calipers with Pagid Blue pads
• Helix race clutch

Spares
• Buick 3500cc V8 engine
• Gearbox 5 speed
• Gearbox 4 speed
• Set wheels

For the full Peerless and Warwick history see Peerless-GT.co.UK/history