Peerless/Warwick GT (1958 – 1962) Review

Based on Triumph TR3 mechanicals and using the same 100bhp 1991cc engine, the Peerless was an interesting special. Like so many low volume sportscars, it was never developed thoroughly. Built on a unique spaceframe chassis, the Peerless featured glass fibre bodywork, and because of its relative lightness, it was considerably quicker than the Triumph it was based upon. The two-door coupé body looked good, and was spacious. Passenger comfort wasn’t bad considering the stiff suspension set-up, but bumpy roads upset the equilibrium. A De Dion rear end meant that handling was safe and predictable.

The Peerless Phase Two appeared in 1959, and featured recessed headlights and a one-piece body that was simpler to produce. The Peerless had so much going for it, such as pretty styling and a realistic price tag, but lack of development and poor sales at the car slip into obscurity when the company closed in 1960. Briefly revived as the Warwick, but with new styling features and a Buick 3.5-litre (213 cu in) V8 (that became the Rover V8) weren’t enough to save it. John Gordon, together with Jim Keeble, subsequently used the Peerless spaceframe as the basis of the delectable Gordon Keeble GK1.