 |
| The made-in-South Africa LMP2, built in Johannesburg by the Bailey brothers, Peter and Greg |
LE MANS (France) — This week 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans also
displayed a SA-made LMP2, built in Johannesburg by the Bailey
brothers, Peter and Greg.
Originally created by the L’Automobile Club de L’Ouest (ACO), the
LMP2 (for Le Mans Prototype 2) are the fastest closed-wheel racing cars used in
circuit racing today, that compare with Formula One cars in terms of cost and
technology, including reaching higher maximum speeds than Formula One.
Although the Bailey brothers’ replica car did not make its track
debut this year, tens of thousands of people viewed the Jo’burg car at the
display in the Espace Privilege of Club ACO.
This was a big step forward for the Bailey Cars factory, and the
brothers hope it will lead to many more international orders for their vehicle,
which sells for R1,85 million locally, and some R2,3 million overseas.
The all-carbon local model comes with a V8, five-litre RHS Ford
engine and sequential gearbox.
The Jo’burg factory now has a worldwide presence, with its Porsche
917 and Ford GT4O replica cars, with dealers across the United States. It
recently broke into a new market, by supplying a Porsche 917 to a buyer from
India.
Two more of the Bailey LMP2 cars are currently being built: one
that will be going to Sbarta Sport in France, and another ordered by a South
African racer.
This car will make its debut on local tracks by the end of August
this year. Inquiries: www.baileycars.co. za.
