1987 Harrier LR5

• LR5 #02 achieved success in both Thundersports and in the BRDC C2 Championship, with numerous podiums in period
• In current family ownership the last 27 years
• Recently subject to a complete refresh, including a fresh Gathercole BDG, gearbox overhaul, nickel plating, re-paint and more

Harrier Sports Cars began with the conception of the Mazda-powered RX83-C, built by Lester Ray for the FIA’s GTP C-Junior category in 1982 for the 83 season. This first car by Ray would have a difficult start to the season with two non-starts and a failed qualification at Le Mans, but would then achieve a class win and 14th overall at the Championnat du Monde D’Endurance Spa-Francorchamps. The LR4 would follow in 1984 and would race in Thundersports alongside its predecessor for the next 3 years until the LR5 was born. 

The first Harrier LR5, Chassis 01, debuted at Thundersports Oulton Park Gold Cup meeting on 17 April 1987, fitted with a Ford-Cosworth DFL V8 and sponsored by Blue Hawk Home Improvement Products. The car would see varying success. Following an engine failure, the car would go on to be fitted with a Rover V8 engine and later converted to closed-cockpit guise to run in the BRDC C2 Championship.

The car on offer today at Klasiko, LR5 Chassis 02 was first raced at Thundersports Brands Hatch on 20 April 1987. The car, fitted with a Ford-Cosworth BDG L4 was owned and driven by David Mercer alongside Martin Birrane. In their first race, they qualified in 6th but did not finish due to a rear suspension issue. The following Donington and Brands hatch rounds on 25 May and 28 June would see 11th and 7th place finishes, and following another DNF at Snetterton, the car’s first podium would come at Thruxton the following meeting.

For the 1988 season, John Bartlett would join David Mercer; this year sponsored by Saunier Duva, Combination Boilers and Goodmans Sound. This year, the car would compete not only in Thundersports, but also in the BRDC C2 Championship. The first race of the season for #02 was at the C2 Championship round at Silverstone. Still fitted with its Ford-Cosworth BDG, the car achieved an impressive 3rd overall and its second career podium. On 01 April, the car’s first Thundersports round saw another podium at Oulton Park. 

Following an accident at Thundersports Brands Hatch, #02 would see two 4th place finishes at the Donington and Silverstone rounds of the BRDC C2 Championship, another podium at Thundersports Snetterton and the following C2 round at Oulton park would see the car’s first 2nd place finish, from 6th on the grid. The two final Thundersports races of the ‘88 season would see 4th and 7th place finishes, and a gear linkage issue halted the final round of the BRDC C2 Championship at Brands Hatch.

Just three Harrier LR5s were manufactured. Of these three, two were campaigned, with a closed cockpit car never seeing the track. Chassis 02 is the only car to have retained the same engine throughout its career. Following the LR5, Harriers featured prominently in international sports/GT racing and have become well-respected and sought-after racing cars to this day.

LR5 #02, acquired by the current owner’s father from a prominent collector and gentleman racer in 1997 was more recently campaigned under the incorrect identity of the ‘Vogue SP2’. Following the purchase from his father, the owner set about a complete overhaul with MJR Motorsport to ensure the car was in the best possible condition and ready to race. These works included a new Gathercole BDG being fitted and the Hewland FT200 gearbox receiving a complete overhaul. The suspension and brakes were removed, nickel plated and replacement rose joints fitted where required, along with anti-roll bars.

The Clutch, flywheel and starter motor were replaced, linkages adjusted, fuel lines, filters and fluids replaced, and of course the bodywork was painted. The decision was made to apply the ‘Blue Hawk’ livery of Chassis #01 as it suited the car so well, but this can of course be changed to the original livery with ease. Now completed and ready to go, this presents an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire such an interesting Thundersports car. 

Now in family ownership for the last 27 years, Included with the vehicle are two sets of wheels along with body moulds. Please note the application process for FIA papers has commenced and the car is expected to obtain these ready for its new owner.