 |
1980 GTM Coupe
|
The GTM Coupe was a mid-engine two-seater sports car produced in the UK, starting in 1967. Its design was composed of two BMC Mini front subframes, with traditional Mini rubber cone suspension, linked by a sheet steel semi-monocoque chassis. The chassis' deep center tunnel backbone was structurally supplemented by two generous sills.
The rear subframe contained the engine, with the steering arms locked in position with adjustable rods and ball joints. This was held in place by a 1" square tubular space frame, suspended from the rear bulkhead. The front subframe carried the steering rack, fuel tank and radiator. Brakes and wheels were also from the Mini parts bin.
 |
John Fisher's 1968 Cox GTM
|
The GTM story begins in 1967 at Cox & Co Garage in Hazel Grove, Cheshire UK. Bernard Cox, had wanted to build a road car with his own name on it. To this end, his friend Jack Hosker came up with a Ferrari Dino inspired design that accepted Mini components. A racing driver, Howard Heerey, was called in to assist with the car's general layout and chassis design.
The Cox GTM (Grand Touring Mini) arrived on the scene in 1967 and attracted a great deal of attention, but the early cars suffered quality issues and the design still needed refinement. Nonetheless there was keen interest. The kit's price started at £300 and its primary donor car, the BMC Mini, was cheap and plentiful at the time. It was offered for sale as a basic kit, as separate components, or as an incomplete body/chassis.
 |
1971 Heerey GTM Coupe
|
From 1967 through 68, Heerey raced the works car without great success. Cox gave up the business late in 1968, despite promising sales. At this point 55 cars had been completed and there were still orders to fill. So, Howard Heerey decided to take on the GTM project himself.
To that end, Howard Heerey Engineering was created with new financial backing and the car was rechristened the "Heerey GTM". The most notable changes to the car were a more luxurious interior and new bumpers. After approximately 250 cars had been built, management discord and a council road widening scheme resulted in the liquidation of the company in late 1972.
 |
1980 GTM Coupe
|
After changing hands a few more times, in the ensuing years, 1980 saw the purchase of the GTM concern by Peter Beck, Paddy Finch, and a third partner (who left within the first year). In their capable hands, the GTM design was steadily refined and became a success, enjoying a 15yr production run. Beck & Finch took the firm from strength to strength, expanding the company's model range and becoming a leading player in the industry. The GTM Coupe had finally found good stewards and production would continue into the 90's.
 |
1989 GTM Coupe Interior
|
At the beginning of 1995 GTM released the news that it was selling the rights to build the Coupe, which were purchased by GTM Owner's Club member Peter Leslie, trading as A & P Leslie Primo Designs. Primo produced an updated version of the car for a number of years. Now a new company called Hambly has taken over the project, as of 2016.
GTM remained in business into the new millennium, producing the Rossa series, Libra, and Libra Spyder. All were styled by Richard Oaks, the renowned kit car designer of Nova fame, and were well received. These new models saw production through the early 2000's.
Eventually Westfield Sportscars purchased the company but by 2010 no further GTM's were produced. In 2019, Westfield announced the retooling of the GTM brand as a platform for "autonomous cars", but as yet nothing concrete has come of that...
 |
1980 GTM Coupe
|
 |
1980 GTM Coupe
|
 |
1985 GTM Coupe
|
 |
1985 GTM Coupe in Gulf Livery
|
 |
| 1985 GTM Coupe in Gulf Livery |
 |
| 1980 GTM Coupe |
 |
| 1980 GTM Coupe engine bay |
 |
| 1980 GTM Coupe, rear 3/4 view |
 |
| 1989 GTM Coupe |
 |
| 1985 GTM Coupe |
 |
| 1990 GTM Coupe |
 |
Various GTM cars
|
 |
Stuart Poole's Cox GTM turbo
|
 |
| Stuart Poole's Cox GTM turbo |
 |
A Competition Prepared GTM Coupe
|
 |
GTM works racecar
|
 |
| GTM works racecar |
 |
GTM Coupe rear view
|
 |
1978 Heerey GTM Coupe
|
 |
1970 Heerey GTM Coupe, rear view
|
 |
| 1970 Heerey GTM Coupe |
 |
| 1970 Heerey GTM Coupe |
If anyone has contact details for Jack Hosker or Bernard Cox please contact me.
ReplyDeleteI would like to speak to them about a car made before the Cox GTM.