Spice Engineering, led by proprietors Gordon Spice and Ray Bellm, dipped its toe into the top level of sports endurance racing in 1989 with the Graham Humphreys-designed SE89. An evolutionary model called the SE90 would debut the next year, and was available in two distinct variants, the SE90C for use in Group C racing, and the SE90P, built to IMSA’s GTP or GTP Lights regulations. The SE90P was a successful design, and nearly 30 examples were built in the ensuing years. During this era, Spice ended its existing relationship with General Motors and partnered with Honda, winning the IMSA Camel Lights championship running Acura engines in 1991, 1992, and 1993.

The distinctive SE90P offered here, chassis 009, was sold new to performance suspension component supplier and racing driver, John Hotchkis, and run in the IMSA GTP class wearing the stunning purple livery of Wynn’s automotive products. Hotchkis also partnered with GM, and the 6.0-litre, small-block V-8 in the Spice was branded as a Pontiac. Throughout the 1990 and 1991 GTP seasons, Hotchkis predominantly shared driving duties in the Spice with stalwart sports car racer Jim Adams, a partnership that started back in 1986 and extended through the team’s years of competing with Porsche 962s. Racing against incredibly stiff competition from Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, and Toyota factory teams, the Hotchkis Spice finished in the Top 10 a total of nine times, highlighted by John Paul Jr.’s 2nd place finish at the 2 Hours of Del Mar in 1991.

Chassis 009 was retained by Hotchkis until 2006, when it was sold to William M. Wonder, joining his growing stable of important competition cars. Prior to the sale of the car, the engine was completely rebuilt by Hertel Racing Engines of Spartanburg, South Carolina, with horsepower estimated at around 800. Mr. Wonder experienced its performance first-hand at private track events during his tenure with the Spice. The fuel management system has recently been upgraded to a more modern MoTec unit.

This Spice’s increasing eligibility for vintage racing events worldwide should not be overlooked, and it has the potential to be a front-running entry at events such as the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona. Its deep purple livery is some simple decals away from replicating the highly recognizable no. 10 look that it wore in period. Offered with the sale of the car at auction is a substantial spares package that includes a low-downforce rear wing, spare set of wheels, spare windshield, and many other useful items for an enthusiast committed to hitting the track. A complete list of the spares package is on file and available for review by contacting a Gooding & Company specialist.

Never overshadowed by flashier GTP designs, the Spice SE90P was, and is, one of the archetypal racing prototypes of the 1990s. Its attractive and robust design begs the forward-thinking enthusiast to pay close attention to its many alluring qualities.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.