The Veleno story, from the NBA to the UK

Posted by John Mellberg November 15, 2020

The Veleno story, from the NBA to the UK

Auto Speciali Veleno

The Auto Speciali Veleno was a mid-engine sports car produced in the UK in the mid-2000's. It took styling cues from contemporaries of its day such as the Lamborghini Gallardo.

One key feature of its design was that it was intended to accommodate larger and taller drivers, unlike many of its peers. The reason for that was because the whole project was based on a commissioned car built for NBA Basketball star Wilt Chamberlain, called the "Searcher 1".

NBA Star Wilt Chamberlain and his "Searcher 1"

That custom-built car's design was first laid out by Wilt and given to Peter Bohanna, an automotive engineer who worked on special effects and props for for the James Bond films, building cars, boats, etc.. Bohanna built the male buck from wood, then modified it to suit Wilt's taste.

Wilt Chamberlain's "Searcher 1"

The Lyncar Motor Company of England, a racecar builder, was signed up for the project. Lyncar's proprietor Martin Slater had previously worked as a design engineer for Lola and McLaren, and, like Bohanna, in the movie industry as well. Lyncar based the chassis on a Le Mans endurance car design.

The Auto Speciali Veleno (via Mad About Kitcars)

The Veleno was only available as a kit. It was built on a custom spaceframe frame chassis, like the Searcher 1, and accepted various engines ranging from the Toyota MR2, Ford V6, and V8. Many parts came from the Ford Granada.

A wide array of optional component packages were offered which included things like; power windows, power steering, central locking doors, in-car entertainment systems, and a 17" or 18" wheel and tire package. Cars in the top tune used the transmission from the BMW M1 and Ford SVT Cobra V8 engines. Leather trimmed interior packages were available. Many options were available from the manufacturer ala carte.

The Auto Speciali Veleno

Jonathan Lane Harris and Keith Kirk, who previously ran Venom Sports Cars, founded the company in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, under the brand name Auto Speciali, on 6 March 2006. Kirk left the company on May 28, 2007 and died in 2008. Production ended in 2010. The company was dissolved on 4 October 2011.