Estimated Price: £25,000 - £35,000

Few vehicles capture the spirit of historic motorsport quite like a period race transporter. They are as much a part of the paddock scene as the competition cars they carried, quietly working behind the scenes while becoming an integral part of racing history in their own right. 'Rita Alice' is one such vehicle, a wonderfully preserved and sympathetically restored 1964 Leyland Leopard that has spent almost half a century serving some of the most respected names in historic motor racing.

Built in 1964 as a Plaxton-bodied European touring coach (Coachwork No. 642258) on a Leyland Leopard chassis number #120011, the coach began life with Cotter's Tours of Glasgow, transporting passengers throughout Britain and continental Europe. It remained in commercial service until 1977, when its destiny changed dramatically.

Purchased by legendary Bentley racers David and Tim Llewellyn, 'Rita Alice' was transformed into a dedicated race transporter, carrying the family's famous Bentleys to race meetings throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. During an era when historic motorsport was beginning to flourish, the coach became a familiar sight in paddocks on both sides of the Channel, faithfully supporting one of Britain's best-known historic racing families.

In 1990, the Leyland passed into the ownership of respected historic racer and preparer Martin Stretton. Recognising its enormous potential, he reconfigured the interior to create an exceptionally practical support vehicle, incorporating comfortable seating for eight people alongside a compact workshop area, working desk and kitchenette complete with hob and sink. The result was a transporter perfectly suited to the demands of international historic racing.

Throughout Stretton's ownership until 1998, 'Rita Alice' became a regular visitor to many of Europe's most celebrated circuits and events. Monaco Historique, the Nürburgring, Spa Francorchamps, Silverstone and Oulton Park all featured prominently in its itinerary, establishing the coach as a familiar and much-admired fixture within the historic racing community.

Following its racing career, the Leyland was acquired by a group of enthusiasts in Kidderminster, who carefully preserved and exhibited the coach before it was purchased by our vendor in 2010. Appreciating both its historical significance and remarkable originality, the current owner embarked upon an extensive eight-year restoration programme, returning the vehicle to the impressive condition in which it is presented today.

Since completion of the restoration, 'Rita Alice' has once again resumed active duty, transporting historic competition cars to events including Shelsley Walsh, Loton Park and Silverstone, continuing the role for which it has become so well known.

Practicality remains one of its greatest strengths. Measuring approximately 35 feet in length and 6 feet 10 inches wide, it offers an internal vehicle bay measuring some 18 feet by 6 feet 6 inches, alongside a separate living area of approximately 15 feet 6 inches. Loading is via the distinctive rear-opening clamshell, assisted by aluminium loading ramps and a fitted winch, making it ideally suited to transporting a wide variety of historic competition machinery.

Power comes from Leyland's dependable 11-litre diesel engine, and we are informed that the coach is running and driving very well. With a gross vehicle weight of 7,112kg, it remains a highly practical and usable transporter.

Accompanied by its V5C registration document, an extensive history file and numerous maintenance and restoration invoices, 'Rita Alice' represents a rare opportunity to acquire not simply a race transporter, but a genuine piece of historic motorsport history. Equally at home supporting a car at the BRDC Classic, Goodwood Revival, Monaco Historique, Spa Six Hours or Le Mans Classic, this charismatic Leyland would make an unforgettable addition to any serious historic racing operation or collection.