Discussion
I know I've tried this before, but it was a long time ago. Can anyone out there help us to locate the half-dozen or so missing cars from the Latham Sports Register?
Just over 20 of the Dolomite Sprint based Latham F2 cars left the Latham Sports Cars factory in Bicester in the late 1980s. The car was pretty unique, being the world's first open-topped two-seater with an all-composite monocoque - I'm sure its commonplace today, but it was groundbreaking at the time. The cars that left the workshops were, in effect, development prototypes for the full type-approved version that Latham intended to release. This would have the Vauxhall Lotus 2 litre engine mated to a Ford gearbox and back axle, but the company went under before these plans could become a reality.
The cars that were built all used the Dolomite Sprint engine, which had similar power characteristics to the Vauxhall unit, although suffered from (an underserved) reputation for fragility. The 16-valve slant four was combined with either the conventional Sprint overdrive gearbox or, in some cases, the five-speed TR7 or Rover V8 gearbox.
Since the cars were created from a single donor vehicle nearly all were able to retain their original registrations - I think only two used "Q" plates.
Over the years the activity of the Latham Sports Register has waxed and waned. Now affiliated to the Triumph Dolomite Club, we're trying to revive some interest. If you own, or know the whereabouts of one of these rare cars, then please post a note here. Thanks
Just over 20 of the Dolomite Sprint based Latham F2 cars left the Latham Sports Cars factory in Bicester in the late 1980s. The car was pretty unique, being the world's first open-topped two-seater with an all-composite monocoque - I'm sure its commonplace today, but it was groundbreaking at the time. The cars that left the workshops were, in effect, development prototypes for the full type-approved version that Latham intended to release. This would have the Vauxhall Lotus 2 litre engine mated to a Ford gearbox and back axle, but the company went under before these plans could become a reality.
The cars that were built all used the Dolomite Sprint engine, which had similar power characteristics to the Vauxhall unit, although suffered from (an underserved) reputation for fragility. The 16-valve slant four was combined with either the conventional Sprint overdrive gearbox or, in some cases, the five-speed TR7 or Rover V8 gearbox.
Since the cars were created from a single donor vehicle nearly all were able to retain their original registrations - I think only two used "Q" plates.
Over the years the activity of the Latham Sports Register has waxed and waned. Now affiliated to the Triumph Dolomite Club, we're trying to revive some interest. If you own, or know the whereabouts of one of these rare cars, then please post a note here. Thanks
Remember seeing a red one for sale in one of the kit car mags some time back. Think it was in London and had been off the road for ages so quite cheap. Rather liked the Latham so it would have been an interesting project if I actually had any money. 
Good luck with locating the missing ones.
Good luck with locating the missing ones.
Thanks for that. I think I know which car that would have been - probably the first one that was wholly built by the factory, so should have been a sound project. If anyone else is considering a Latham, then one point to bear in mind is that the Register still has all the moulds, so panels can be remanufactured. Most other spares and parts are also readily available.
I think it's just you!!!
Obviously the Latham predates by some margin, so you never know. Having driven a Latham around for many years I can say that it attracts interest from a wide variety of other drivers - most typically Marcos owners and E-Types. The only car that I know was influenced by the F2 - and from the back, not the front - was the Panoz GTR-1 Le Mans racecar, circa 1997. This was designed and developed by Reynard and, I am reliably assured by someone associated with the project, a Latham was close to hand at the time. There's no denying that the interpretation of the rear of both cars is remarkably similar.
Obviously the Latham predates by some margin, so you never know. Having driven a Latham around for many years I can say that it attracts interest from a wide variety of other drivers - most typically Marcos owners and E-Types. The only car that I know was influenced by the F2 - and from the back, not the front - was the Panoz GTR-1 Le Mans racecar, circa 1997. This was designed and developed by Reynard and, I am reliably assured by someone associated with the project, a Latham was close to hand at the time. There's no denying that the interpretation of the rear of both cars is remarkably similar.
Didn't the Clan have a roof?
The lack of metal poses both problems and solutions. I got caught trying to get into a carpark once - the barrier mechanism couldn't detect the car and I had a train of others behind me getting equally frustrated. I eventually said stuff it and drove underneath instead!
On the plus side I remember driving through a local town when the traffic cops were there with a radar gun. I can still smile when I recall the look on the guy's face when he simply couldn't get a reading at all. He kept trying, pointing and pressing the trigger, but apparently couldn't get the thing to register.
The lack of metal poses both problems and solutions. I got caught trying to get into a carpark once - the barrier mechanism couldn't detect the car and I had a train of others behind me getting equally frustrated. I eventually said stuff it and drove underneath instead!
On the plus side I remember driving through a local town when the traffic cops were there with a radar gun. I can still smile when I recall the look on the guy's face when he simply couldn't get a reading at all. He kept trying, pointing and pressing the trigger, but apparently couldn't get the thing to register.
Thumper said:
Didn't the Clan have a roof?
Yes it did. With regards to being the first open top composite monocoque road car, both the Midas convertible and GTM Rossa were around about the same time as the Latham though not sure which was first.
Pretty sure the Pelland Sports (later sold as both Listair Dash and Rembrandt) was out earlier than all of them though and think that had a GRP monocoque. Much rather have a Latham though!
Sorry I wasn't around to pick up this thread - just returned from a few days in the South of France - you know how it is. I know a fair bit about this particular car, and have contacted the seller on eBay. If it's who I think it is he only bought the car a couple of years back. It is chassis number F2028 and was one of the earliest to leave the factory, although it looks from the pictures on eBay as if a fair amount of finishing remains to be done. All the missing parts can be remanufactured, so whoever bought it can still complete the project.
Thanks for spotting it.
Thanks for spotting it.
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