Chilton gets his P39

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A P39 is not six strikes off getting your P45 — it’s something far, far better than that. It’s an awesome road-and-track machine, the creation of engineering specialists RML, and a car that Birch Commercial Director Tom Chilton knows very well as its development driver. This isn’t just a car you take for a spin; it’s a hand-built piece of precision engineering designed to thrill, test, and reward its driver.

Tom’s role with the P39 goes beyond simply turning laps. He’s been integral to the car’s fine-tuning, providing feedback not just as a professional racer, but as someone with a deep understanding of how a performance car needs to behave in everyday conditions. It’s a rare blend of expertise — bridging the worlds of competition and commercial reality — and it’s exactly the sort of knowledge he brings to Birch.

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From BTCC to bespoke

Chilton’s experience behind the wheel spans a huge range of race and road machinery. In the BTCC alone, he’s competed across multiple eras, adapting to evolving regulations, different tyre manufacturers, and ever more competitive grids. His adaptability has been key to extracting the best from the P39 during testing.

“On road tyres, it feels like you’re driving a race car,” Tom explains. “Then, change a few settings, and it’s softer than a standard 911 on the road. In my opinion, it’s the best road car/track car ever made.”

Away from the track, Tom’s BTCC title sponsor Vertu Motors keeps him well-supplied with the latest road cars — with a brace of Land Rover Defender 130s in D350 and P400 flavour recently — giving him a constant reference point for what today’s premium machines can achieve. That breadth of experience means he can assess a car like the P39 not just in the context of the pit lane, but also in the real world, where comfort, refinement, and practicality matter.

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The P39 — a technical shape-shifter

The P39 is something special in the crowded world of performance cars. Developed by RML, it takes the romance of classic GT styling and combines it with modern mechanical sophistication. Under the skin sits a 920 bhp powerplant paired with an advanced chassis and suspension package, creating a driving experience that feels alive yet manageable.

Tom’s testing role has focused on extracting the most from this dual personality. “It’s very quick and very good on the brakes — for something so heavy, the stopping power is quite something,” he says. “On track, it’s razor sharp, but you can press a few buttons, soften the suspension, and suddenly you’ve got something that rides more comfortably than a standard 911. That’s not an easy balance to get right.”

It’s a balance that RML wanted to perfect — a car that can genuinely handle a trip to the shops one day and a flat-out run at Silverstone the next. That usability is a big part of what excites Tom. “Yeah, absolutely, you can take it to Waitrose. It’s got two seats, a roll cage in the back, and no room for all the kids — just me and the wife!”

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Why development drivers matter at Birch

It’s easy to think that race driving and car storage are worlds apart, but at Birch, Tom’s background is a direct asset for clients. Having a Commercial Director who understands the fine tolerances of a high-performance car — and the consequences if those tolerances aren’t respected — means Birch’s operational standards are shaped by first-hand knowledge.

“When you’ve worked on cars like the P39, you know how critical correct tyre pressures, battery management, and fluid health are,” Tom notes. “It’s the same whether it’s a one-off prototype or a cherished Ferrari. The principles don’t change.”

That philosophy flows through Birch’s entire approach. Every car in storage is treated as though it’s a prototype in active development — regularly checked, properly maintained, and always ready to perform exactly as its maker intended.

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Birch clients and the P39 connection

For Birch clients, Tom’s P39 involvement isn’t just an interesting talking point — it’s a potential gateway to unique opportunities. Birch is increasingly looking at ways to connect customers with the automotive world beyond their own garages, whether that’s private viewings, development ride-alongs, or behind-the-scenes access to projects like the P39.

Imagine being able to talk directly to the person who helped shape the handling of your dream car, or even seeing it up close before it’s in the public domain. That’s the sort of value Birch can deliver — blending secure, expert storage with insider automotive experiences.

And while the P39 might still be a rare sight on UK roads, don’t be surprised if one eventually makes an appearance at Birch Gatwick. As Tom half-jokes: “I’m desperate to get one — just trying to save up at the moment.”

Until then, his testing work ensures that when the P39 does hit the road, it will be every bit the machine its creators dreamed of — and every bit the car its future owners hope it to be.

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If you want to store your car somewhere it will be treated with the same care, precision, and respect as a £1m prototype, Birch Gatwick is the place. Whether it’s a multi-million-pound hypercar, a classic you’ve loved for decades, or your weekend track weapon, our expertise keeps it ready for the next unforgettable drive.

P39 images thanks to @autographicphotography