A seldom-seen 1976 Piper P2, one of the most obscure British sports cars of its era, is now on the market in the United Kingdom. The car represents one of the final efforts from Piper Cars, a low-volume manufacturer that produced a small but memorable range of fiberglass-bodied sports machines in the 1960s and 1970s before fading into obscurity.
The P2 was introduced as a major improvement over Piper’s earlier GT and GTT models. While it kept the tubular-steel chassis and lightweight composite shell of its predecessors, the P2 added refinements that made it the company’s most advanced design. Distinctive styling set it apart from rivals like TVR, Ginetta, Marcos and Lotus, and although production numbers were never precisely recorded, the total output of all Piper models is believed to fall somewhere around 80 to 100 cars.
The example now for sale carries a remarkably long single-owner history. First built in 1976, it has remained with the same keeper since December 1979. In 1997, the car underwent a body-off restoration that included a strengthened, zinc-galvanized subframe and a refreshed interior. At the same time, a new Stage 2 Ford Crossflow engine replaced the original powerplant. The car has accumulated fewer than 7,000 miles since, though the odometer was recalibrated during the rebuild.
Power comes from a 1.7-liter Ford Crossflow inline-four topped with twin Weber 40 DCOE carburetors. The engine drives a four-speed Ford 2000E manual transmission and a Capri rear axle with a 3.77:1 ratio. The unit installed in 1997 was supplied new by Anglian Engines and incorporates a Stage 2 Piper cam, an all-steel rocker assembly and a Kenlowe fan. Recent maintenance includes a new alternator, radiator and associated pipework. Minor oil seepage from the gearbox and axle is noted, but the seller reports strong running condition.
A full respray in 2023 brought the fiberglass body back to what is described as a close match to its original color. The interior shows only light wear, consistent with occasional use, and a roll cage has been fitted for added safety. Overall, the car presents cleanly for a nearly 50-year-old hand-built sports model.
Piper Cars itself enjoyed a brief but energetic history. Founded in the mid-1960s in Kent, the company evolved from a tuning operation into a small-batch sports-car manufacturer. Early enthusiasm for models like the GT suggested potential for growth, but the death of original owner Brian Sherwood and shifting market demand ultimately curtailed production by the mid-1970s.
Today, Piper P2s appear on the market only sporadically, often at prices that remain surprisingly accessible compared with more widely known British classics. This example, listed on Car & Classic out of Surrey, stands out as one of the better-preserved survivors, offering a rare opportunity for enthusiasts who favor lightweight, fiberglass-bodied British engineering with a story behind it.