Deep Sanderson 301: Compact Build, Powerful Performance

Forgotten Icons - In the early 1960s, the world of sports cars was a landscape defined by raw power and large, aggressive designs. Size and engine placement were considered cornerstones of performance, with most sports cars housing massive engines in the front. However, the debut of a peculiar, compact race car at London’s Olympia Racing Car Show in December 1961 began to change this perception. The Deep Sanderson 301, designed by British engineer and racer Chris Lawrence, defied convention with its miniature frame, unusual engine placement, and lightweight construction, signaling a new era in automotive design.

The one-off Deep Sanderson 301 Prototype made its debut at London’s Olympia Racing Car Show in December 1961. (Picture from: Banovsky)

At its core, the story of the Deep Sanderson 301 is the story of Chris Lawrence. A talented British racing driver and engineer, Lawrence had already built a solid reputation through his tuning company, Westerham Motors in Acton, which specialized in enhancing Triumph, Morgan sports cars. However, Lawrence aspired to more than just modifying existing designs; he wanted to create his own car—a machine capable of proving itself on the world’s toughest racetracks. Fueled by this ambition, he designed the Deep Sanderson 301, a groundbreaking car that would challenge racing conventions and push the boundaries of sports car engineering.

The Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe,  a groundbreaking car that would challenge racing conventions and push the boundaries of sports car engineering. (Picture from: David Merrett in Flickr)

At a time when front-engine layouts dominated, the Deep Sanderson 301’s mid-engine configuration turned heads. Lawrence placed the car’s modest 997cc Mini Cooper engine between the driver and the rear axle, a design that was unconventional in the early 1960s but would later become a staple in high-performance vehicles. This bold choice, combined with the car’s fiberglass body, produced by the British company Microplas, gave the 301 a distinct edge in terms of handling and balance on the track.

The Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe combined lightweight construction with accessible components and innovative design to maximize engine performance and deliver remarkably agile handling. (Picture from: Wiipedia)

The Deep Sanderson 301’s engine, though small, showcased Lawrence’s engineering prowess. Sourced from the British Motor Corporation, it was the same engine used in the Mini Cooper—a compact power unit known more for economy than for racing potential. However, in Lawrence’s hands, it was transformed. The lightweight construction allowed the car to capitalize on the engine’s output, delivering nimble performance that belied its humble origins. This blend of accessible parts with a highly innovative design resulted in a unique sports car with remarkable handling capabilities.

The Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe while in action at the prestigious 24-Hours of Le Mans of 1963. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)

One of the most impressive aspects of the Deep Sanderson 301 was its suspension system, known as the "Lawrence Link." Meanwhile, Westerham Motors closed and Lawrence founded LawrenceTune Engines Ltd. This proprietary setup used trailing arms to manage the rear wheels, resulting in an impressive cornering ability that distinguished the car from its contemporaries. Although the Lawrence Link contributed to the 301’s agility in tight turns, it also required skilled handling on straightaways, as drivers reported that the car’s control demanded constant attention, adding an element of challenge for even seasoned racers.

The 1963 Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe. (Picture from: TKCMagazine)

The Deep Sanderson 301 reached its pinnacle at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963. Competing in the under 1,000cc class, the car demonstrated its potential against far more powerful opponents, even reaching speeds of 244 km/h on the Mulsanne Straight. Equipped with a specially tuned engine prepared by Downton Engineering, the 301 held its ground for 15 hours before an accident forced its withdrawal. Despite this setback, the car’s performance in one of racing’s toughest events established its reputation as a formidable machine.

The 1963 Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe featured a unique suspension system called the "Lawrence Link," using trailing arms on the rear wheels to deliver exceptional cornering performance that set it apart from its contemporaries. (Picture from: Bonhams)

In 1964, Lawrence returned to Le Mans with a refined version of the 301, aiming to compete not only in speed but in efficiency. The car was positioned to win the Index of Thermal Efficiency, a coveted award that celebrated a blend of speed and fuel economy. However, the race took a dramatic turn when the Deep Sanderson 301 was disqualified under controversial circumstances, an outcome many attributed to rival manufacturers feeling threatened by the car’s potential. Despite the disqualification, the event only added to the car’s legendary status among enthusiasts and racers.

The 1963 Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe. (Picture from: MotorLegend)

Following its appearances at Le Mans, the Deep Sanderson 301 continued to compete on prominent European tracks, from Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium to the Nürburgring in Germany. Each appearance reinforced its reputation as a true competitor, often challenging larger and more expensive cars in handling and agility. Lawrence’s engineering vision proved that a compact, well-designed car could indeed compete with the best, underscoring the value of thoughtful design over brute force.

The 1963 Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe’s interior stayed true to its racing roots, with a minimalist dashboard focused solely on essential instruments. (Picture from: Bonhams)

Available as a kit car to the public, the Deep Sanderson 301 appealed to enthusiasts willing to assemble it themselves, an approach that made the car more affordable. However, with fewer than 25 units produced, it remained a rare collector’s item. Inside, the car’s interior stayed true to its racing roots, with a minimalist dashboard focused solely on essential instruments. There were no luxury amenities or unnecessary features—just a lean, functional layout aimed at enhancing the driver’s connection with the road.

The 1963 Deep Sanderson 301 Coupe was powered by a 997cc inline-four engine, placed between the driver and the rear axle and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. (Picture from: Bonhams)

The legacy of the Deep Sanderson 301 lies in its audacious engineering and the unwavering spirit of innovation it represented. Although it never achieved commercial success on a large scale, it proved that great design could elevate even modest components into competitive race cars. Chris Lawrence’s creation demonstrated the potential of a mid-engine layout, lightweight materials, and a focus on handling, concepts that remain central to sports car design today. | jRlXyHRBeNo |

While the Deep Sanderson 301 may not hold the fame of other icons from its era, its influence is undeniable. By breaking the norms and reshaping expectations in sports car engineering, it paved the way for a generation of cars built for agility, efficiency, and performance. Its story is a testament to the power of ingenuity, and its impact on the automotive world extends far beyond its size and numbers, continuing to inspire the automotive industry and car enthusiasts around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | BANOVSKY | BONHAMS | ICONICAUCTIONEERS | TKCMAGAZINE | MOTORLEGEND ]

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