1988 Toyota 88C - Group C

William I'Anson Ltd are delighted to annoince for sale the Ex-Works, Stefan Johansson, Tiff Needell, Paolo Barilla, Hotoshi Ogawa, Juan Manuel Fangio II, Drake Olson, Le Mans 24 Hours, Daytona 24 Hours, Sebring 12 Hours, 1988 Toyota 88C – Group C.

This is one of only two stunning Toyota Factory Works 88C built for the 1988 season, the only 88C to run at Le Mans in the iconic Taka-Q / New Man livery, and the only one of the two Le Mans cars in private hands. This is the pinnacle of the of the iconic Toyota 4 cylinder 2.1-litre Factory Team cars.

Successfully campaigned in both the All Japan Sports Prototype Car Endurance Championship and the World Sports-Prototype Championship, by the Toyota Factory Works Team, including appearances at Fuji, Suzuka and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Paolo Barilla, Tiff Needell, Stefan Johansson and Hitoshi Ogawa, it proved to be a strong contender, taking 5th at Suzuka and gaining invaluable experience against the dominant Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan works teams.

For 1989, chassis 007 was entrusted to Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, contesting in the highly competitive IMSA GTP Championship in the United States. Driven by Juan Manuel Fangio II, Drake Olson, Chris Cord, Willy T. Ribbs amongst others, it took pole position at Lime Rock and Road America and achieved strong results including 2nd place at San Antonio and 3rd place at both Watkins Glen and West Palm Beach, against the Works Jaguars, the all conquering Nissans and numerous Porsche.

Purchased by the current owner in 2018, he entrusted historic Formula 1 specialists Tim Preston and his expert team to undertake an absolutely no expense spared restoration of the car.

The car was completely stripped, inspected and meticulously restored with the engine rebuild entrusted to AER Ltd. It is clear to see the attention to detail and high standard of workmanship that has gone into bringing such an important car back to meet its full and exciting potential.

A second freshly rebuilt AER engine also comes with the car as well as an extensive spares package.

This Toyota stands apart as a refreshingly original and period correct ex-Works car. With its documented race history and comprehensive spares and support package, 007 sits squarely alongside the great Group C icons of the era, including Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan and their fellow manufacturers, both in terms of historical importance and on-track potential.

For more information, please enquire or visit our website.