FOR nine years, the employees of a Suffolk factory lovingly worked to build just over 100 rare sports cars - and now they are set to gather at a reunion to celebrate the vehicle's 40th anniversary.

FOR nine years, the employees of a Suffolk factory lovingly worked to build just over 100 rare sports cars - and now they are set to gather at a reunion to celebrate the vehicle's 40th anniversary.

The Ipswich Transport Museum wants to contact past workers of Ipswich-based Trident Cars, which was in the town from 1966 until 1975.

The company virtually hand built around 130 vehicles in the factory in Turret Lane, which was owned by Bill Last.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the rare sports car the Trident Car Club have organised a special rally at the museum tomorrow .

This is set to coincide with an open day to enable visitors to see the Tridents at close hand, as well giving the opportunity for owners, former employees and enthusiasts to meet and enjoy the historic cars.

The following day the Tridents will take part in the 36th Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run, where it is hoped there will be the biggest ever gathering of the cars - with one even making the trip from Switzerland.

Tony King, Ipswich Transport Museum chairman, said: “We are anxious that former employees of Trident come along and meet their old colleagues, see the cars and tell us their memories.

“It will be the largest ever gathering of Trident Cars and we are honoured to be receiving a visit from Lesley Last, the daughter of the owner of the business.”

The first Trident, the Clipper, was produced in 1966 as a prototype TVR model, styled by Englishman Trevor Frost, built in Italy by Fissore and shown at the 1965 Geneva Motor Show.

The project eventually passed to Mr Last who set up Trident Cars Ltd in Ipswich to manufacture the vehicle.

A second car, the Venturer, which had a longer chassis to its predecessor, was unveiled in 1969 but its name was altered to Tycoon in 1971 following a change in engine power.

Engine problems and the financial climate of the 1970s resulted in the company closing down, although a few more cars were made before final closure.

Ipswich Transport Museum's Trident Car gathering will take place between 11am and 4pm on Saturday at the museum in Cobham Road.

The 36th Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run takes place on Sunday May 7, starting in Christchurch Park at midday and finishing along Felixstowe Promenade from 12.45pm.

TRIDENT FACTS

· The first Trident rolled off the production line in 1966.

· It is estimated 39 Clippers, 84 Venturers and seven Tycoons were made between 1966 and 1978.

· During these years the body shape changed little, all models being essentially from the same mould.

· The whereabouts of around 45 of the cars is known and it is believed only 19-25 are currently in running order throughout the world.

· The Clipper claimed a top speed of 150mph and a 0-60 mph time of five seconds.

· The vehicles were also available in kit form, costing £1,923 for a Clipper, £2,300 for a Venturer and £3,250 for a fully built Tycoon.