DownloadThis is the one-of-a-kind 1985 Tracer TXC, conceived by the visionary British designer William Towns, who had already made his mark prior to the construction of this car with the Aston Martin Bulldog, the 1967 Aston Martin DBS, and other impressive pieces. This unique project, however, represented a radical reinterpretation of the lightweight sports car ethos, with styling inspired of course by the Bulldog. The Tracer retained the Bulldog’s distinctive hidden headlamp setup, where a panel flap lowered to expose four fixed square lights in the bulkhead. Based on the humble mechanical underpinnings of the MG Metro Turbo with a bespoke steel tubular space frame, this avant-garde proposal envisioned a doorless, minimalist vehicle with its transverse engine repositioned to a mid-mounted configuration—an ambitious reengineering intended to enhance handling dynamics and weight distribution. Though an annual production target of 3,000 units was initially proposed, the project ultimately remained a striking yet unrealized one-off. The body of the Tracer TXC is a one-piece fiberglass moulding that incorporates both the shell and interior, and powering the Tracer is a 1,275 cc 4-cylinder engine, producing 94 horsepower at 6,130 rpm. Though it never reached production, the Tracer TXC remains a powerful expression of unrestrained imagination, a tangible glimpse into what might have been, had ambition alone been enough to reshape the road. It’s the kind of machine that reminds us how daring design can transcend practicality and enter the realm of pure artistry. Today, it stands not only as a rare design relic, but as a poignant reminder of the passion, optimism, and sheer creative audacity that defined a small but spirited era of British automotive dreamers.
How many made? 1
Engine: 1,275 cc 4-cylinder engine
Debut: n/a
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @eanofoto
Research: @rarecarsonly
1985 Tracer TXC
25.03.2025
William Towns