The Spectre Cars SP-1 Angel

The Spectre SP1 - P407 Prototype

The Spectre story starts in the early Nineties, with replica car maker Ray Christopher. Having experience in creating replica versions of the legendary Ford GT40, Christopher dreamed of capturing the spirit of the GT40, but in an all-new sports car. He started design work in 1992, and by 1993 a prototype was ready. It was called the R42, named in reference to the original GT-40's height. The car made its debut at the London Motor Show, shown by Christopher’s company GT Development.

The Spectre R45 and SP1 - P107 prototypes

The R42's successor was to be the R45, a carbon fiber bodied, mid-engine, rear-drive, supercar powered by a 4.6-liter Mustang Cobra V8 (350 horsepower). A five-speed manual was the standard transmission offering; a six-speed optional.

However, GT Development went into bankruptcy, before the R45 could enter production, as an economic recession took hold across the UK and the globe. The company's assets were purchased in early 1995 by its former Marketing head, Anders Hildebrand. Hildebrand named his new company Spectre Motors Inc., and put the R42 into production four months later in Dorset, England. 23 were made.

Two examples of the R45 were created: One in a hue of red and the other painted yellow. The yellow one was shown in 1997 at the London Motor show, and Spectre made the claim that a full production version would debut at the same show in 1998. But Spectre was out of money, and closed up shop before 1998’s show.

The yellow Spectre R45

The red Spectre R45 

The rights and intellectual property of Spectre were taken over by C2P (Concept to Production) Ltd who continued to secretly develop the idea of a new Spectre model while providing automotive consultancy work to various manufacturers. By 2001 C2P were designing a new supercar under the name of Project 007 and the Spectre P107. A prototype was built up to prove the concept in 2003.

The Spectre SP1 - P407 Prototype

Built using a lightweight carbon-fiber body, the sleek two-seater boasted scissor doors for entry into its custom cabin which featured leather, Alcantara and Wilton carpets. Behind the seats, a 4.6-litre Ford V8 was nestled in front of the rear axle, mated to a CIMA 6-speed manual transmission. 

After it had finished its test and development program the P107 was put into storage. In 2009 P107 was sold to a customer, still wearing its camouflage livery. Also, PB207/A was sold as a body to a customer, mounted on an R45 prototype chassis, for a racing car project.

The Spectre SP1 - P107 Prototype in "Camo"

Development of the "Angel" continued but not without intrigue, as told on Spectre's website:
"In 2011 prototypes P407 and P507 were under evaluation at an Italian company that was considering using the 007 chassis technology with their own exterior and interior design. This article includes a video of P507 leaving their factory. The Italian company was suddenly closed by the authorities and P407 and P507 were impounded in Italy by their receivers. It took over 3 years to negotiate recovery of the cars back to the UK. These two cars remain with Spectre. With the change to low carbon transport, there are no plans to progress with a V12 petrol-engined car."

"P507 was spotted by journalists during the development but the project remained confidential."

The Spectre SP1 - P407 Prototype

Author's note: I recall UK magazine speculation that it was a new Lotus Esprit and even recall spy-shots which turned out to be SP1.

Despite the apparent media interest, the "Angel" never took wing. In recent years, Spectre has turned its attention to a new project. 

With support from the Niche Vehicle Network, a part of Cenex, Spectre has developed the Spectre SP2 electric sports car. It follows the same fundamental layout as previous Spectres, with a mid-mounted powertrain, two seats and utilizes an all-aluminum chassis with a composite, unstressed body. The chassis features a semi-integrated lithium ion battery, where the three sides of the casing form an integral part of the chassis structure. 
A first prototype exists, and road testing is planned to commence later in 2020 once the final powertrain system has been installed according to Spectre.

Sources:

Some images and content came from spectrecars.co.uk

The Spectre SP1 - P107 Prototype

The Spectre SP1 - P107 Prototype

The Spectre SP1 - P407 chassis mule

The Spectre SP1 - P407 interior

The Spectre SP1 - P107 Prototype