1980 Tiga SC80

Tiga Race Cars was established in 1975 by former Formula One drivers Tim Schenken and Howden Ganley. The name “Tiga” originates from the first two letters of Tim and Ganley, pronounced as “Tiger.” The company initially embarked on a Formula Ford 1600 (FF1600) project. To streamline the manufacturing process and bypass the labor-intensive task of creating bucks, molds, and bodies, Tiga acquired an existing FF1600 constructor, MRE. Howden Ganley focused on designing a car to fit the acquired body, which proved successful right from the debut. At Mallory Park, David Lang, who participated on a scholarship from the Winfield Racing School, achieved pole position, won his heat, and claimed victory in the final, setting the fastest lap in the process.

In their inaugural year, Tiga sold 21 FF1600 cars, marking a strong start. The firm soon relocated to the former Fittipaldi headquarters near Reading to accommodate its growth. In 1977, Tiga was commissioned to construct a Sports 2000 car based on an existing design. This led to the creation of the Tiga SC77, the first in a successful series of Sports 2000 cars.

Tiga expanded its reach, manufacturing racing cars for a variety of motorsport disciplines, including open-wheel racing and sports car championships. The company’s designs proved to be highly competitive, with drivers of Tiga-built cars securing numerous titles. These accomplishments include three European, four British, and one American Sports 2000 championships, as well as two Australian Drivers’ Championships. Tiga cars also achieved significant victories on the international stage, including class wins at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

One of Tiga’s notable successes came through its collaboration with Spice Engineering. A Spice-Tiga GC85 Ford clinched the Group C2 Teams title in the 1985 World Endurance Championship. Further solidifying its legacy, Tiga won the 1988 Camel Lights Championship for Manufacturers in the North American IMSA GT Championship.

During its operational years, Tiga sold over 400 chassis, reflecting its influence and success in the racing car industry. However, despite its achievements, the company ceased operations in 1989. Tiga’s legacy endures as a hallmark of engineering excellence and motorsport triumph.

On offer today at Klasiko is a well-regarded and competitive Tiga SC80, finished in an attractive shade of green. This particular example, run by the well-known outfit Lackford Racing, benefits from a recently rebuilt 2-litre Pinto engine with just two hours of running time since its overhaul, paired with a Hewland MK9 gearbox—also recently subject to a light refresh.

Restored between 1998 and 1999, chassis 206 traveled to Germany early in its life, spending several years racing competitively in Europe before being repatriated by the current owner around 2020. Following its purchase, the car underwent a mechanical overhaul, including work on the tub to ensure structural soundness.

In 2021, the car underwent a full suspension geometry and vehicle dynamics analysis with GSD Race Dynamics. The 16-page report is present within the history file and provides great insight into the car’s optimal geometry. The result is a well-handling and competitive car, demonstrated by a class win in Thundersports and an 11th overall finish at the 2022 Silverstone Classic.

Included with the vehicle is a small history file containing the aforementioned setup information, as well as a TIGA-labeled folder with additional setup details, drawings, and more. Also included are German HTP papers dated 2013, FIA papers dated 2001, and various other documents.

Overall, this is an excellent opportunity to enter the ever-popular Historic Sports 2000 grid in a well-regarded, attractive, and compelling car.