1998 Ultima Sports

Highlights 

• Highly engaging, analogue sports car

• Factory-built example of a rare and iconic model

• Devastating performance

• 380-400bhp Chevy small block V8

• Incredibly low mileage

• Good condition throughout

• In long term ownership

Overview

Before the headline-grabbing Ultima GTR there was the much rarer Ultima Sports,  a sensational car in its own right that laid the groundwork for its successor and continues to both excite and inspire today. Unveiled in 1992, the Sports can trace its roots back to the original Ultima Mk3 of 1989, which in turn harks back to the very first Lee Noble-designed Ultima concept from '83, and it helped transform the company into the global sensation it has since become. 

With the Sports model, Ultima took what was previously a track-focused racer and completely redeveloped it. The result was a car that was far easier to assemble, benefited from a much improved fit and finish, and was redesigned in order to create a machine that, while still hugely effective on track, could now be used with ease on the road. The Sports was the start of the Ultima story as we know it.

Featuring a mid-engined, rear wheel drive layout ensconced in a tubular steel space frame chassis and composite body shell the Ultima Sports was originally intended to be a build-at-home kit car but was eventually offered as a turn-key machine as well. Although available with a choice of engines in kit form, factory-assembled cars were fitted with a 5.7-litre Chevy small-block V8 producing over 350bhp and 405ft-lbs torque, which in a car that weighs about as much as a shoe, is monstrous.

This factory-built example has been in the same single ownership for over 20 years and comes complete with the original build invoices from Ultima Sports Ltd, as well as the engine spec sheet showing an estimated power output of 380-400bhp. In very good condition throughout and with no previous damage reported the vendor informs us that the car has been permanently garaged and used occasionally as a ‘Sunday Car’. Having been unused for a number of years due to ill health the car reportedly needs a new water pump and battery but is mechanically healthy otherwise.

History and documentation

• 1996 model year

• Chassis number 96045

• V5C present and correct 

• Delivery date 26th April 1996

• First registered 09 Jun 1998

• In current ownership since 09 Feb 2005

• One registered former keeper

• Ultima Sports Ltd build sheet and delivery check list

• Multiple invoices from Steve Smith Specialist Car Builder in 2004

• Ultima Sports Ltd build manual (digital and print)

• Engine spec sheet

• Stack ST8130 Series display manual

• HPI clear

• Impeccable MOT record up until its last which expired 10 Mar 2021

• 1,100 indicated miles 

Interior

• In decent condition overall

• No evidence of any major damage

• Signs of general wear and tear

• Seats have a couple of small holes

• Vendor reports that everything works

• Stack ST8130 Series instrument console

• Heater/demister kit

• Lightweight pedal set with adjustable foot pads

• Sparco Rev seats with Willans harnesses

• Removable OMP steering wheel

• Single roll bar

• Engine bay looks to be generally in good shape

Exterior

• Bodywork looks to be in very good condition

• Bright yellow paintwork remains in good shape

• No evidence of any dents or scratches

• Vendor reports no previous damage

• All shut lines look good

• No apparent issues with any of the windows or lights

• Body-mounted rear wing

• Aircraft type external flush fuel filler system with alloy mounting plate

• 17/16” staggered black six-spoke split rims all present well with no signs of any major damage

• Vendor reports that, apart from one,  the Goodyear tyres are good – Eagle GS-C models on the front and Eagle GS-Ds on the rear

• Underneath looks to be tidy and in good condition

Mechanical

• 380-400bhp, 5.7-litre Chevrolet small block V8 engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Chassis: Sports, standard single braced hoop roll bar

• Engine/transmission: Chevy V8/Porsche G50

• Front suspension: Urethane bushes

• Rear suspension: Urethane bushes

• Steering: Drilled for Titan rack 2.4 turns

• Gear linkage: Porsche G50 right hand

• Water system: Bracketed for four row Serc racing

• Fuel system: Twin, foam filled, Advanced Aero, flush filler

• Brakes: Servo mounts fitted

• Bodywork: Sports

• Extras: Pylon mounted wing brackets on chassis/modified dashboard  

• The vendor has stated that, as far as they are aware, since it was last used the car is running well, with the noted exceptions of the water pump and battery

• The vendor informs us that nothing compares to the absolutely awesome Chevy V8 sound but the car will require a water pump and possibly a new battery 

Summary

An Ultima of any vintage is arguably the rawest and most visceral form of supercar performance available and in the modern age of driver aids and automation the Sports is a car that proudly flies the flag for truly analogue driving experiences. Wholly engaging, this low mileage Ultima Sports is a rare beast that would make an excellent weekend toy, hill climb hero or track day weapon for those plucky enough to indulge.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Louth, Lincolnshire.