Not Sold | 1958 Ray-Ford ‘Ratel’ Mk1 Special

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Not Sold (Est: £30,000 - £40,000)

1958 Ray-Ford ‘Ratel’ Mk1 Special

United Kingdom • 12 Sept 2026 • Lot 119

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This unique Ratel sports-racing car boasts extensive period North American racing history, including significant competition in the 1950s and 60s with notable owners like Gord Henderson. Powered by a tuned 2.6-litre Ford Zephyr engine with triple SU carburettors and featuring a multi-tube spaceframe chassis with all-aluminium bodywork, it's a rare survivor from a formative era of motorsport. The car has been road-registered in the UK and comes with substantial historical documentation and spares, offering opportunities for preservation, historic competition, or road enjoyment.

Condition

7

The car has been in storage for approximately three decades, which has preserved it in an unusually original and authentic state. It retains its original aluminium bodywork and multi-tube spaceframe chassis. However, the listing notes that the tires are 'understandably showing their age' and mentions the original engine bottom end is retained 'following the installation of a fresher unit,' suggesting some components have been replaced or require attention. It's described as having been 'correctly registered for road use' and can be driven, but its 'natural home remains the circuit' with 'appropriate preparation,' implying it's not in pristine racing condition without some work.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

50TTA41315

Odometer:

[Odometer Reading]

Reg Number:

559 YUX

RHD/LHD:

LHD

The ex-Peter Ray, Gord Henderson car
- 2.6 litre Ford Zephyr engine with triple SU carburettors
- Extensive period North American racing history

A unique and fascinating survivor from the golden age of Northwest American and Canadian sports-car racing, the Ratel is a remarkable and highly individual sports-racing car with a compelling history rooted in the vibrant club-racing scene of the Pacific Northwest and Canada during the 1950s and 1960s.

Conceived by Peter Ray, a successful Formula Junior constructor and racer, the Ratel was subsequently acquired and developed by Gord Henderson, under whose ownership it became a familiar and competitive entrant at circuits throughout the region.

Henderson raced the car extensively during the golden age of North American sports-car racing, campaigning it at venues including Westwood, Portland International and Riverside.

Power comes from a 2.6-litre Ford straight-six, breathing through a trio of SU carburettors mounted on bespoke tubular mani...