1973 Tachyon Mk1 - Historic Group Q Race Car

Hand-built more than 50 years ago to an incredibly high level of detail, this 1973 Tachyon Mk1 is a very special historic sports car that has never actually been raced. Eligible for Motorsport Australia’s Historic Group Q class, it is now on the market ready for someone to complete the project and take it to the track.

Build “one of one”, the Tachyon was developed by engineer, master vehicle restorer and motor racing identity David Lowe and was constructed over the three-year period from 1970 to 1973. He had the intention of competing in contemporary sports racing events, however the vehicle was unfortunately never finished due to a change of circumstances. The car has remained with its creator for the past five decades and is now offered for sale to its next custodian.

The Tachyon presents in time warp condition throughout – as you’d expect, having never been used – with its neat aluminium body finished in red with orange and yellow striping, reminiscent of the Bob Jane team colours.

Constructed from scratch, the Tachyon uses a space frame chassis with an 89 inch wheelbase and a 41 inch track, clothed in an expertly-crafted aluminium body. Its rear-engine layout followed conventional thinking at the time but was innovative in a number of ways, including the writing and implementation of a computer program to optimise its suspension design. Thus, the Tachyon’s shock absorbers and disc brakes are inboard all around, it uses Cooper hubs and axles and makes extensive use of SKF spherical plain bearings and rod ends. Lowe-designed cast alloy wheels complete the suspension package.

The Tachyon is powered by a highly developed Renault 16TS four-cylinder engine (Type 807-20 '101 439'). The engine is currently dismantled, and we are informed many of the key engine components have been overhauled. While there is conrods present, David suggests getting new high performance conrods be installed before the engine is reassembled. The car is currently fitted with a five-speed Holinger/VW gearbox (with reverse) that has all new gears, including the differential.

There is a large collection of assorted parts accompanying the sale, not to mention a comprehensive folder containing its build history with hugely detailed parts lists, various technical and reference drawings, photographs, supplier contacts and some period newspaper articles.

Incredibly unique and with a remarkable story to accompany it, the Tachyon Mk 1 would be a fantastic addition to Australia’s historic racing scene and racing it would be a great tribute to its clever constructor. All it needs now is its new custodian to finish the project and secure a Motorsport Australia log book so that it can finally make it to the track to be thoroughly enjoyed.