Hailing from Leamington, England, GRID Motor Racing was formed as a partnership between Giuseppe Rise and Ian Dawson; the company’s name, formed out of the initials of the two partners’ names, was perfectly suited to this new constructor with big ambitions. The operation is only known to have produced two cars, including the GRID-Porsche S2 Group C Prototype offered here, but this limited production run belies the skillful design and artful execution of its racing machines.

For the underpinnings of the S2, GRID tapped the expertise of former Lotus engineer Geoff Aldridge. He developed a monocoque tub that incorporates aluminum honeycomb panels, which was clothed in an aerodynamic body crafted of glass-reinforced plastic. Behind the surprisingly spacious cockpit sat an air-cooled Porsche 935-derived flat-six engine fed by twin Garrett GT28R turbochargers with custom impellers, mated to a Hewland five-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip rear differential.

The GRID-Porsche S2 saw action in the 1984 World Endurance Championship and IMSA races including, most notably, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Piloted by Dudley Wood, John Cooper, and Barry Robinson and wearing #25, the car ultimately retired due to fuel feed issues. Further outings included the IMSA Miami Grand Prix and the Thundersports series at Brands Hatch, as well as WEC races at Monza, Silverstone, Brands Hatch, and Mosport; its best finish was 11th overall at the 1984 Brands Hatch 1000 KM. Notable sponsors of the era included wildly successful singer Julio Iglesias, who was photographed in-period with the car emblazoned with his name!

Since being acquired by its current owner, a vintage racing enthusiast, in 2012, the GRID-Porsche S2 has benefitted from a total, expert-level restoration without regard for expense and with the intention of creating a high-level vintage racing contender suitable for premier events worldwide, including Le Mans Classic. This comprehensive job began with an inspection by Max Crawford of Crawford Composites in Denver, North Carolina, which confirmed that the chassis had not been involved in a crash.

Next, Mike Colucci, formerly of Brumos Racing, was tasked with the car’s disassembly and rebuild. Each of the car’s subsystems were overhauled: Intercoolers and oil coolers were sonically cleaned; suspension parts were carefully inspected and, if necessary, replaced with aircraft-grade components; the brakes were rebuilt by Pro Systems of Mooresville, North Carolina; and Can-Am Cars of Missouri overhauled the Hewland gearbox. Other replacement components included new wiring, a new plenum, two new Garrett turbochargers, a newly designed and fabricated steering rack, and much more

In many cases, the car was improved compared to its period specification. For example, it was fitted with a total of six fuel pumps—two primary, two backup, and two sump pumps—rather than the original pair of fuel pumps that experienced the fuel feed issues, sidelining the prototype at Le Mans. Further work addressed its cosmetic appearance, mechanical performance, and, crucially, its safety equipment (including its fuel cell, fire suppression system, and roll cage).

In preparation for continued on-track use, its current engine—based on a 1980 Porsche 930 block with custom-ground camshafts, GRID intakes, and custom 962-style exhaust headers—was rebuilt in 2021 by Porsche specialist Mike Bruns and fitted with new Xtreme cylinder heads (the supplier that does head work for Singer’s magnificent creations). Further work carried out by Bowman Vintage Restoration in 2021-2022 included additional wiring, as well as an exterior refinish in its original Wildwood Racing blue and yellow Miami Vice-themed livery as entered at Brand’s Hatch in 1983. At this time, the car’s later solid nose with high-downforce undertray was fitted to provide better performance than the earlier twin-boom style nose, and it rides on rebuilt BBS wheels to complete its period-correct look.

This GRID-Porsche S2 Group C Prototype is accompanied by substantial documentation including scrutineering paperwork from Le Mans, RAC recognition papers for GRID Motor Racing, and FISA documents, fuel cell certification, as well as restoration invoices and a selection of spare parts. Its thoughtful design, formidable powertrain, and period racing provenance make it an ideal opportunity for an enthusiast eager to participate in vintage endurance racing events across the globe; with its high-level restoration and wonderful classic livery, it would be equally suitable for exhibition.