Premium

Connaught Type-D GT - ahead of its time as a ten-cylinder hybrid

Name: Connaught Type-D GT 2006
Brand: Connaught

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on July 20, 2025

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Daniel Reinhard

Bruno von Rotz

Bonhams

Classic-Gala

Stuart Adams

Archiv

Daniel Reinhard

Bruno von Rotz

Bonhams

Classic-Gala

Stuart Adams

Archiv

66 2

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - short overhangs, plenty of usable space for a coupé

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - more than a 2+2, namely a 2+2+

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Wheelbase 2840 mm

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - a turning circle of 11.1 meters was promised

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - 1361 mm high

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the track is 1595 mm at the front and 1635 mm at the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Andy Plumb was responsible for the design

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - 1866 m wide without mirrors, 2022 mm with mirrors

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - beefy rear end, inspired by Aston Martin vehicles

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - 368 liters fit in the trunk, 73 liters in the tank

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - beefy shape

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - on the road in the chassis test car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - a top speed of 273 km/h was calculated for the supercharged version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - relatively low lateral inclination in curves

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the supercharged version was supposed to reach 0 to 96 km/h in less than five seconds

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - good all-round visibility thanks to generously proportioned glass surfaces

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the target weight for the supercharged version was 950 kg

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - looks a bit like the Audi TT

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - would have been unrivaled with hybrid drive and V10 engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the Lotus Elan was used as a benchmark for handling and comfort

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - can be moved in a sporty manner

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the body is made of sheet aluminum

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the prototype is equipped with a four-cylinder Ford engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - compact shape to accommodate the four passengers and their luggage

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - attention-grabbing paintwork/stickers

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Prototype interior

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - some elements correspond to the planned production version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the engine widens the transmission tunnel between driver and passenger

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Driver and passenger sit quite far apart

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the left-hand instrument corresponds to the planned series version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - impressive battery of instruments

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - archaic handbrake lever

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Signatures of the makers on the back seat

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - with large headlights with a diameter of 18 centimeters for maximum light output with H4

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - individual windshield wiper mechanism

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Air outlet and V10 lettering

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Fuel filler cap

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - lightweight construction, 73 liters fit in the tank

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - 19-inch wheels

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - individually integrated rear lights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - a luggage compartment suitable for traveling with a capacity of 368 liters

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the structure of the plastic tub is clearly visible

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught L2 2.5-Litre Sports-Racing Two-Seater (1949) - as lot 069 at the Bonhams Goodwood Members Meeting auction on March 18, 2018

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught A-type (1952) - in the race for the Richmond Trophy at the Goodwood Revival 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught B Streamliner (1955) - received the "Best Supersport pre 1970" award

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught ALSR (1954) - Series C - Grand Prix Historique de Monaco 2014

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught ALSR (1954) - "Freddie March Memorial Trophy" at the Goodwood Revival 2022

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2002) - Development of the engine and chassis

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2005) - the gray Coventry prototype that was later taken apart

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the blue exhibition car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - Interior photo of the show car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2008) - Marketing material

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - with CRP bodywork and "KX06 BUJ" plate

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - "KX06 BUJ" on press photo

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - "KX06 BUJ" all in green

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - View of the engine on vehicle "KX06 BUJ"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - the chassis test car with aluminum body and sign "KX06 BUF"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Connaught Type-D GT (2006) - photographed during test drives in 2009, with Tim Bishop at the wheel

You have only

1 out of 66

images seen in high resolution

Summary

Around a decade and a half ago, a sports coupé was created in the UK that was clearly ahead of its time. With a very compact V10 engine and a lightweight hybrid drive, the Connaught Type-D GT was designed to be economical, comfortable and versatile. And affordable too. The ambitious project failed. This article goes in search of clues and provides driving impressions in one of the prototypes.

This article contains the following chapters

Connaught as inspiration
Big presentation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Functional and economical
The ten-cylinder
Lightweight coupé
Four cars created
Deviations from the original concept
Factory in Wales and the end
What could have been
At the wheel of the prototype

Estimated reading time: 8min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Tim Bishop is an engineer with real grit. Questioning and improving technical solutions is in his blood. His career has brought him into contact with many car brands, including Tatra and Jaguar. It is no coincidence that he describes the Heinkel Kabinenroller as one of the most convincing cars ever built. If you ask Tim, cars have to be functional, economical and lightweight. It was therefore certainly no coincidence that Tim and a group of like-minded people were not very enthusiastic about the development in modern automobile construction, which led to ever larger and heavier vehicles. And Tim was convinced that a small team with the tools of the "big boys" should be able to build a pioneering sports car.

Welcome to Zwischengas!