Turner Sports Car Company, founded by the visionary British racing driver John H. “Jack” Turner, emerged in postwar Britain to fill a significant gap in the automotive market: affordable, lightweight sports cars equally at home on city streets and racing circuits. In an era craving accessible performance, Turner’s creations quickly garnered attention and established a lasting legacy in the realm of British sports car manufacturing. Built upon a foundation of conventional ladder frames and rear-wheel drive configurations, Turner cars cleverly utilized fiberglass bodywork and readily available components from established British automakers. This resourceful approach allowed Turner to produce engaging sports cars despite the challenges faced by smaller manufacturers in accessing wholesale parts.
Navigating the complexities of sourcing engines and transmissions, Turner embraced versatility, incorporating a diverse range of powerplants and mechanical elements into his vehicles. This adaptability became a hallmark of the brand, contributing to the unique character of each Turner model.
In 1958, a pivotal update arrived with the Turner 803 Sports model’s evolution into the Turner 950 Sport. This upgrade featured the introduction of the BMC A-Series 948 cc engine, a powerplant renowned for its racing pedigree and also found in the contemporary Austin-Healey Sprite. The Turner 950 Sport directly challenged the Sprite, entering a competitive segment of compact, spirited sports cars. The standard 950 engine delivered a respectable 43 horsepower from its stock BMC A-Series configuration. For enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance, Turner offered an uprated 948 cc variant boasting higher compression and up to 60 horsepower. Furthermore, for those desiring even more exhilarating performance, two Coventry Climax overhead cam engines, displacing 1098 cc and producing 75 or 90 horsepower, were available as exotic options. A traditional British four-speed manual transmission and a solid rear axle completed the drivetrain. While drum brakes were standard on all four wheels, discerning buyers could opt for front disc brakes to enhance stopping power. Approximately 170 Turner 950 Sports were produced, each a testament to Turner’s commitment to accessible performance.
The Turner 950’s chassis incorporated stamped steel A-arms and coil springs in the front suspension, mirroring the Sprite’s design, along with rack and pinion steering. The rear suspension employed torsion bars and trailing arms for axle location, with coil springs available as an alternative. This blend of proven components contributed to the Turner 950’s agile handling and engaging driving dynamics.
The year 1959 marked a significant stylistic shift with the introduction of a new, more contemporary body for the Turner sports car range, replacing the older 950 body inherited from the 803. This updated model was designated the Turner Sports Mk I. Departing from the semicircular grille of its predecessor, the Mk I featured a wider grille and more refined overall lines, signaling a move towards a more modern aesthetic. Under the hood, the 948 cc BMC A-Series engine remained the standard offering, while the higher-performance Turner-Climax engines, in 1098 cc and now also 1216 cc displacements, continued to be available for those seeking enhanced power. Mechanical revisions included broader availability of front disc brakes, further improving the car’s capabilities. Around 150 examples of the Turner Sports Mk I were manufactured, bridging the gap between the early 950 and the subsequent Mk II.
The Turner Sports Mk II arrived in 1960, bringing subtle refinements to the bodywork. More significantly, Turner expanded the engine options to include Ford powerplants, offering the 997 cc Ford 105E and the 1340 cc Ford 109E engines. While the 997 cc Ford engine initially produced 39 horsepower, its inherent tunability made it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking performance upgrades. The 109E engine offered even greater potential, capable of being tuned to exceed 100 horsepower. Further enhancing the Mk II’s versatility, buyers could specify front suspension and steering components sourced from the Triumph Herald. By the close of 1960, the Triumph suspension became standard equipment, streamlining production and improving handling. The Mk II proved to be the most commercially successful Turner model, with approximately 300 units produced between 1960 and 1963, solidifying Turner’s place in the British sports car landscape.
The final iteration of the Turner Sports car, the Mk III, debuted in 1963. This model showcased larger Ford engines, including the 1500 cc Ford Kent and the high-performance 1650 cc Cosworth unit. Although the BMC A-series engine remained available, it was fitted to only a mere two cars due to the superior power and robustness of the Ford Kent engine. The Turner Sports Mk III, in its initial 1963 configuration, remained in production for several years, with around 100 cars manufactured, marking the end of the Turner Sports car lineage.
Jack Turner ceased operations in 1966, reportedly due to health issues. Today, it is estimated that approximately 275 of the 700 Turner Sports cars produced from the 950 onwards still exist, making them relatively rare and highly sought-after collectibles. The Turner Sports holds a respected position in the world of small displacement sports car racing and vintage car collecting. However, as with any fiberglass-bodied classic car, the condition of the bodywork is paramount when considering a purchase. While repairs are feasible, they can be costly. The use of mass-produced engines ensures that mechanical parts are readily available, facilitating maintenance and even performance upgrades.
For enthusiasts and collectors today, understanding the value of a Turner Sports car is crucial, whether for buying, selling, or insuring these cherished vehicles. Given their rarity and the varying conditions in which they are found, utilizing a reliable Turners Car Valuation Tool becomes essential. Such a tool can provide insights into current market values, taking into account factors like model, engine type, condition, and provenance. As the appreciation for classic British sports cars continues to grow, a turners car valuation tool serves as an indispensable resource for navigating the market and ensuring informed decisions regarding these delightful pieces of automotive history.
