Trident is yet another example of a British automaker that's joined the unfortunate list of those who are no longer with us. They built cars from 1966 until 1978 with their first model being the Clipper convertible, which was based on a prototype TVR. The Clipper Coupe was originally built on a TVR Grantura Mark III chassis, but this was later switched to an Austin-Healey 3000 chassis after a TVR dealer took over the project due to the serious financial problems at TVR itself.
The chassis was widened and the suspension was modified to handle the V8 and the fiberglass body. The first Coupe was shown at the Olympia Racing Car Show in 1967. And while there are a few still left in existence, we managed to find one in amazing condition for sale on eBay Motors. This 1967 Clipper Coupe is powered by a 289 Ford V8 that gives it a top speed of 150mph and a 0 to 60 time of about five seconds. According to the dealer selling it, only a few cars were built with the fiberglass body and only the first six were equipped with the clamshell bonnet, which this car also has.
In total, 29 Clippers were built with the V8 and about a hundred with a 3.0-liter Ford V6. The history of this car can be traced back to Austin, Texas, where it was sold new in the late 60s. It has less than 7,400 miles and had a complete restoration that was begun in 1990 and completed in '93. Since then, it's been driven very little and is in excellent condition. The owner who carried out the restoration claims that the work was done at a very high level and actually exceeds the original build quality by huge margins. The chrome is all in great shape, such as on the wheels, front bumpers, and side mirrors.
Judging by these photos and the seller's claims, the interior is also in outstanding condition. It features typical English styling from the 60s with its wood accents, ancillary switches, and leather upholstery. The engine compartment also received due attention with that Ford V8 looking absolutely fantastic. In fact, the car exhibited at Pebble Beach back in 1996 and was featured in Automobile Quarterly in 1999. It was for sale on eBay just a few days ago, but its reserve wasn't met. The highest bid was $30,750, so it's likely the dealer will be reposting it shortly. Photos courtesy of hlcc