Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Turner

The Turner Sports Car Company was a small British car manufacturer based in Wolverhampton, England, active from the early 1950s until the mid-1960s. Known for building lightweight, agile sports cars, Turner catered to driving enthusiasts and club racers. Though production numbers were limited, Turner gained a loyal following and is remembered today for its engineering simplicity and motorsport success.

Founding and Background (1951–1954)

Turner was founded by Jack Turner, a skilled engineer and racing enthusiast who previously worked with the British carmaker Lea-Francis. Jack had a passion for motorsport and performance engineering, which drove him to establish his own company in 1951.

Focus on Sports Cars

Jack Turner aimed to build simple, lightweight sports cars that could be sold as either kits or fully assembled vehicles. This flexibility appealed to hobbyists and club racers, particularly in post-war Britain where sports car culture was booming.

Early Models: Turner A30 and 803 (1954–1956)

The first production model was the Turner A30, introduced in 1954. It featured a tubular chassis, aluminum body panels, and mechanical components sourced from the Austin A30. With a modest engine and light weight, it offered good performance for its size.

Turner 803

This version used the 803cc Austin A30 engine. It was offered primarily in kit form to avoid taxation, a common strategy among small manufacturers at the time. These early models established Turner’s reputation for nimble handling and competitive pricing.

Turner 950 and Competition Models (1956–1960)

In 1956, Turner introduced the 950 Sports, using the 948cc engine from the Austin A35. This model gained popularity among amateur racers for its simplicity and performance.

Racing Success

Turner cars found success on club circuits in Britain and the United States. Lightweight and quick, they often outperformed larger, more powerful cars on twisty tracks. Many privateers raced Turners in SCCA events and hill climbs.

Special Editions

Special race-tuned versions were created, often featuring modified engines, improved suspension, and stripped-down interiors. These cars helped reinforce Turner’s motorsport credibility.

Turner Sports Mk I and Mk II (1960–1963)

In 1960, Turner updated its lineup with the Sports Mk I, featuring refined styling, improved suspension, and the option of more powerful engines, including the Coventry Climax unit.

Turner Mk II

Launched in 1961, the Mk II featured several mechanical upgrades, including front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. It could be ordered with engines ranging from 948cc to 1,500cc, including Ford and BMC options.

Notable Features

• Fiberglass body construction
• Independent front suspension
• Good power-to-weight ratio
• Kit and fully built versions available

Turner GT and Final Efforts (1962–1966)

In 1962, Turner introduced the Turner GT, a fixed-head coupe with distinctive fastback styling and an emphasis on road use over racing. It was built in very small numbers and remains a rare and collectible variant.

Performance and Reception

Though praised for its design and performance, the GT was more expensive to produce and did not sell in high volume. It marked Turner’s attempt to move upmarket, but the small company struggled against better-funded rivals like MG, Triumph, and Lotus.

Closure of the Company

By 1966, Jack Turner’s health was declining, and the company faced increasing pressure from larger manufacturers offering similarly priced but mass-produced vehicles. Without the resources to scale or modernize, Turner Sports Cars ceased production in 1966.

Total Production

It is estimated that Turner produced between 600 and 700 cars during its lifetime. Many were exported to the United States and Europe, and a significant number still exist today in the hands of enthusiasts and vintage racers.

Legacy of Turner

Turner may have been small, but it left a lasting impact on British sports car history. Known for their engaging handling and motorsport pedigree, Turner cars remain popular in historic racing and collector communities.

Turner Enthusiasts

Several active owner’s clubs and online communities keep the Turner name alive, offering restoration resources, technical information, and event support. The cars are regularly seen at classic car shows, race events, and hill climbs.

Design Influence

Turner’s approach — combining lightweight construction, off-the-shelf mechanicals, and a focus on driver engagement — influenced later kit car and sports car manufacturers. They represent a golden era of British specialist car building.

Conclusion

The Turner car company was a passionate, independent operation that punched well above its weight in both engineering and racing. Though short-lived, its legacy endures through the dedicated owners and enthusiasts who preserve and celebrate these classic British sports cars. Turner remains a symbol of ingenuity, performance, and the spirit of postwar motoring.