2008 Melling Wildcat 5.7                                    ...

Estimate

£15,000 - £25,000

2008 Melling Wildcat 5.7                                   

Registration Number: MX08 YTM
Chassis Number: TBA
Recorded Mileage: C.2000 Miles

- 1 of 7 prototype cars built
- Crafted by famed engine designer, Al Melling 
- £30,000+ spent in recent years on mechanical and cosmetic work

The Melling Wildcat stands as a striking testament to the visionary engineering of the late Al Melling, one of the most revered engine designers of his generation. Renowned for his work with Lamborghini, Formula 1, Norton Motorcycles, and TVR, where he crafted the legendary AJP engines, the late Mr. Melling’s expertise extended beyond powerplants to the very conception of high-performance road cars. The Wildcat, developed in 2008, was his bold vision of what the next generation of British sports cars could be - an open-top roadster that encapsulated both his engineering mastery and passion for speed. 

Built in Rochdale and later moving to the Autodromo do Algarve amidst funding, economic and personal challenges, the project was sadly shelved and the Wildcat prototype became an emblem of innovation and a fascinating ‘what might have been’. In total seven were built. This particular example, chassis #701, served as the demonstrator and prototype for forthcoming UK-spec production cars, we understand it to be the only Wildcat now residing in the UK, with all others having been exported to the USA.

Power is supplied by a Chevrolet LS 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing approximately 450 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque. A visceral, thundering creation that is as raw and uncompromising as its creator. This is a car built for the fearless, for those who wish to feel the thrill of unfiltered power and spirit in every drive, the new owner should be equally bold in embracing it. 

In recent years more than £30,000 has been invested in carefully refining and improving this rare example. The handling - initially somewhat unresolved in its prototype form - has been comprehensively addressed through an extensive program of upgrades; strengthened chassis, aluminium riveted flat floor underside, redesigned suspension geometry, new shock absorbers, and a custom power-assisted steering system, all overseen by experienced racing engineers. The vehicle has also been fully refinished in a stunning shade of “Soul Red Crystal”.

A custom stainless exhaust by MJA performance, a new heavy-duty McLeod racing clutch, billet aluminium wheels from Image Wheels, a fabricated grille, and additional period-inspired driving lights further enhance the feel of the car. Inside, we see stunning custom one-off leather Corbeau bucket seats with a Wildcat logo, while the whole interior and boot were retrimmed by an ex-Morgan trimmer/upholsterer.

The car’s history file contains comprehensive documentation, invoices, and the V5C confirming ownership transitions from the original Melling Car Company to subsequent owners. 

Supplied with UK V5 and valid MOT, the car has been recently serviced and tuned by a respected TVR specialist. 

This is a rare and historically significant vehicle, not merely as a custom roadster built out of passion, but as a piece of British engineering heritage - the legacy of Al Melling’s vision. A true collector’s piece with a compelling story.