Spice SE90C #17 ‘The Pink Spice’
This is one of the last C1 cars built by Spice Engineering at Silverstone. Owned by Tsunemasu Aoshima, the car was entered by Euro Racing for Le Mans in 1991 when, painted bright pink, it attracted a storm of publicity on account of its all-women driver line up. The team consisted of Lyn St James, Cathy Muller, and Desiré Wilson, the latter one of the tiny handful of women ever to have competed in Formula 1.
Specification
Race Category: Group C sports prototype
Livery: The Pink Spice
Year: 1990
Designer: Gordon Spice and Graham Humphries
Chassis Number: 17
Chassis Construction: Aluminium honeycomb and carbon-composite monocoque
Weight:
Aerodynamics: High-downforce Group C aerodynamic package
Body Style: Closed-cockpit endurance prototype
Steering Position: Center
Suspension: Double wishbone suspension with pushrod-operated dampers
Brakes:
Engine Details: Ford Cosworth DFR
Engine Layout: Mid-mounted longitudinal
Engine Size: 3.5-litre V8
Engine Power: 600 bhp
Fuel Type: Petrol
Drive Configuration: RWD
Transmission: 6-speed manual racing gearbox
Detailed Overview
£POA
Description
The Spice SE90C #17, famously known as “The Pink Spice,” is one of the most recognisable privateer Group C endurance racing cars of the early 1990s. Developed by Spice Engineering, the SE90C represented the company’s continued effort to provide competitive and affordable prototype machinery to independent endurance racing teams during one of the most competitive periods in sports car racing history. Its striking pink livery, aggressive aerodynamic design, and Cosworth-powered performance made the car a fan favourite and a memorable presence in Group C competition.
Built around an aluminium honeycomb and carbon-composite monocoque chassis, the SE90C combined lightweight engineering with proven endurance racing durability. The sleek closed-cockpit bodywork featured deep aerodynamic tunnels, sculpted sidepods, and a high-downforce configuration designed to maximise cornering grip and high-speed stability. Like many successful Group C cars, the SE90C balanced aerodynamic efficiency with the reliability needed for long-distance endurance racing events.
Power typically came from the naturally aspirated Ford Cosworth DFR 3.5-litre V8 engine, producing around 600 horsepower. Derived from Formula One technology, the engine delivered strong throttle response, high-revving performance, and a distinctive racing soundtrack. Coupled to a six-speed manual racing gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout, the drivetrain gave the car impressive agility and predictable handling characteristics. Advanced double wishbone suspension with pushrod-operated dampers allowed teams to fine-tune the setup for different circuits and endurance conditions.
The SE90C competed against some of the greatest prototype race cars ever built, including the Jaguar XJR series, Porsche 962C, Nissan R90CK, Toyota Group C entries, and Sauber-Mercedes prototypes. While privateer teams often lacked the resources of major factory-backed operations, the Spice programme earned widespread respect for its engineering quality and competitiveness. “The Pink Spice” became especially famous due to its vibrant colour scheme, standing out dramatically among the more traditional liveries of the Group C field.
Today, the Spice SE90C #17 remains one of the most iconic independent Group C prototypes from the era. Celebrated for its unmistakable appearance, strong Cosworth performance, and connection to the golden age of endurance racing, “The Pink Spice” continues to attract admiration at historic motorsport events and Group C demonstrations around the world.
Race History
- Developed By: Spice Engineering for privateer Group C competition
- Competition Era: Early 1990s FIA World Sportscar Championship
- Nickname Origin: Became known as “The Pink Spice” due to its distinctive bright pink sponsorship livery
- Primary Rivals: Jaguar XJR prototypes, Porsche 962C, Nissan R90CK, Toyota Group C cars, and Sauber-Mercedes entries
- Performance Strengths: Agile handling, lightweight chassis, and strong customer-team adaptability
- Engine Programme: Frequently powered by Ford Cosworth V8 endurance racing engines
- Le Mans Participation: Competed in international endurance racing events including Le Mans-related competition
- Privateer Reputation: One of the best-known independent Group C cars of the era
- Historic Legacy: Remains one of the most visually memorable Spice Group C prototypes ever raced
- Historic Motorsport: Frequently appears in historic Group C demonstrations and endurance racing festivals
During qualifying, Lyn St James hit the safety barrier, severely damaging the car, which was hastily rebuilt around a chassis bought from GP Motorsport, who were selling a Spice in the paddock. With limited track time, only Wilson managed a lap fast enough to qualify; nevertheless the team was allowed to start, albeit from the back of the grid. Sadly there would be no fairytale ending for the team, the Spice being forced to retire after 47 laps following an accident.
In 2001 the Spice was purchased by David Mercer, who drove it in Group C Club races between 2002 and 2010. An experienced endurance racing driver, he won races outright at Magny Cours (2002), Donington Park (2003/2004), Brands Hatch GP (2005/2007/2010), Nürburgring (2006/2007) and Silverstone (2006). In his hands the Spice also had numerous other podium finishes (published results on file) and recorded fastest laps at Donington (2005), Brands Hatch (2006) and Silverstone (2006).
Listen as previous owner, David Mercer pilots this Group C Spice around Spa back in 2010.
Features
- One of the last C1 cars built by Spice Engineering
- Ford-Cosworth DFR 3.5-litre V8 engine
- Excellent record of wins and podium finishes in more recent times
- Fully restored in 2011
- Eligible for the Le Mans Classic
Comments
Lightweight customer Group C performance and endurance reliability. Distinctive pink livery, privateer Group C heritage, Cosworth-powered performance.
