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We found this in the classifieds some time ago now, advertised as being stored away for three decades untouched. When we arrived at the sellers address it materialised that my dad had raced against the car in the 70s. Some usernames on here are familiar from other forums as the internet has been a great resource for finding out its history.

I have since managed to track down the previous owners, one of which began competing with it in 1967, it is thought to have retired around a decade later.

Early days in Mini 7:



70s spec as a Free Formula 850:



Today:



Video of it in action at Crystal Palace:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDjrtQ1 ... freload=10

Mechanically it has been rebuilt as per its Free Formula 850 spec, but cosmetically it remains as found, from the decals to the cracked paintwork.

What a great car, would love to see this at Blyon next year!

I love the cockney rebel


bring it to blyton!

I third that!

I would love to see your car & meet you in the flesh at Blyton.

A real time warp piece thats being used as it should.

M

Thank you. The history is too much to go into, but it's entertaining nonetheless!

I have been talking about Blyton a lot, as it seems like nothing else and everyone is likeminded, but when I have checked I am actually away that weekend. Frustrating as I also couldn't make last year. Seems like a brilliant event.

Have been trying to get things underway to use the car again this season as it didn't see the light of day last year.

It also needs a new brake master cylinder as the current one let go on a cooling down lap at Lydden. I missed out on the Blyton entry, was too late to the party. Next year it is!

BigWig wrote: I missed out on the Blyton entry, was too late to the party

Come and show us the car anyway!

If only it was closer to London I would. Lack of commitment I know.

BigWig wrote:If only it was closer to London I would. Lack of commitment I know.

I know some guys darn sarf who think Silverstone's up north!

Pete wrote:

BigWig wrote:If only it was closer to London I would. Lack of commitment I know.

I know some guys darn sarf who think Silverstone's up north!

It is isn't it?..................

theres north, and theres oop north! you need to change your currency when going up there, er so i am told

I have finally been able to commit to Blyton this year, so look forward to meeting you there on the Sunday. It's the cars first outing in a while!

BigWig wrote:I have finally been able to commit to Blyton this year, so look forward to meeting you there on the Sunday. It's the cars first outing in a while!

Fantastic!

Al

I've not been able to update this in some time, but after missing out on Blyton I wanted to get the car in shape this side of Christmas to prevent a last minute panic in 2020.

During the summer I carefully removed the front spoiler. I'm not sure when this was added, but probably not during its time competing. It looks far more period correct now and the paint shop did a great job in matching the now slightly pink shade of red. It's also so much easier moving it on and off the trailer as it now has ground clearance.

It then went off to Mondo Sport early December, who prepare all manner of competition Minis, as well as road cars. The cones on the car were original (!), so these have been replaced for Mini Spares red dot versions, along with Hi-los, and Mondo Sports' in-house bottom arms and rear camber/toe brackets. Along with some other smaller items and a full setup.

I couldn't recommend them enough if you are looking for a specialist.

I'm sure it will feel like a totally different car now.

Oh and the last picture was found on Facebook, which is of one of the previous owners sat in the car in what looks to be the paddock. His name can still be seen beneath the black stripe on the drivers' door.