2000 Gentleman’s Racer “Nine Lives”

$190,000.00

2000 Gentleman’s Racer 23′

“Nine Lives” is a striking 23-foot gentleman’s racer built in 2000 by Golden Era Classics, blending vintage race-boat heritage with modern craftsmanship and exhilarating performance. The boat’s sleek hull was designed by renowned Pacific Northwest boatbuilder Marty Loken of Island Boatshop in Nordland, Washington, drawing direct inspiration from a 1930s-era Ventnor race boat originally built by legendary New Jersey boatbuilder Adolph Apel. The result is a design that captures the unmistakable style, speed, and spirit of the golden age of powerboat racing.

Using Loken’s design, master craftsman Paul Dewhurst of Golden Era Classics in Australia constructed a limited run of just four cold-molded hulls, a method known for producing lightweight yet incredibly strong wooden structures. These hulls were then shipped back to Washington State where each boat was carefully finished and fitted out, combining traditional wooden boatbuilding artistry with modern engineering.

At the heart of “Nine Lives” is an extraordinary powerplant: a Jaguar V-12 engine originally engineered in the 1960s for endurance racing at Le Mans. This legendary racing engine has been expertly marinized and further refined with guidance from Jaguar specialist Bernard Juchli, general manager of Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage. Through careful tuning and modification, the engine produces an impressive 400 horsepower, delivering thrilling acceleration and a distinctive sound that perfectly matches the boat’s racing pedigree.

With this remarkable engine pushing the lightweight hull, “Nine Lives” is capable of reaching speeds of over 50 mph at 7,600 rpm, offering a driving experience that is both visceral and unforgettable. Combining rare craftsmanship, racing heritage, and exhilarating performance, “Nine Lives” is far more than just a boat—it is a tribute to the golden era of gentleman’s racing and a truly unique vessel for collectors and enthusiasts alike.