The Formula Junior category was introduced in Italy in 1958 by Count Giovanni Lurani, and in 1959, it became an International Formula. Shortly thereafter, in 1960, the British began to take a serious interest in the category beginning the rivalry between British and Italian cars.
Lotus was the dominant force in Formula Junior, winning the British National Championship from 1960-1963; however, a dozen other small companies also produced cars including Bandini, Brabham, Cooper, Elva, Lola, Merlyn, Osca, Stanguellini and Taraschi.
Formula Junior was in effect Formula Two and Formula Three combined with a maximum engine capacity of 1-liter or 1.1-liters, depending on the car weight. It was a single-seater training ground for young drivers from 1959 to 1963. It produced an endless list of future Formula One stars including Chris Amon, Richard Attwood, Peter Arundell, Jim Clark, Denis Hulme, Jochen Rindt and John Surtees.
These were in effect mini Grand Prix teams with first class designers. Ironically, Formula Junior, which was started as a cost savings effort, was ultimately stopped because the Formula One technology of the day was being used in this lower formula. The monocoque design of the Lotus 27 was a prime example of this technology. Today, the large number of premium venues combined with very competitive grids has translated into a very strong market for Formula Juniors, especially in Europe.
1963 Brabham BT6
The Brabham BT6 was a very successful, beautiful car with a tube frame, the power of a Ford 1097 engine developed by Holbay, and a Hewland 5-speed gearbox. Approximately 20 cars were built. Denis Hulme drove the works car to 3 wins and a 2nd place finish in the British Championship, losing only to Arundel in the Lotus 27 at the last race of the season.
1963 Lotus 27
This was the Formula One technology of the day with an aluminum monocoque construction and inboard suspension. Over 20 cars were built. Peter Arundel driving the Ron Harris Team Lotus car won the British Championship over Denis Hulmes’ Brabham by winning 6 races. Lotus received the best Ford 105E engines developed by Cosworth. This unique design proved too costly for the lower Formula. Formula Junior was to become Formula Two and Formula Three in 1964.
1963 Lola MK5A
Only nine MK5A’s were built. A tube frame design by Eric Broadly, a 1098-cc Cosworth was the engine of choice with a Hewland 5-speed gearbox. The Midland Racing Partnership ran the works cars for Richard Attwood and David Hobbs with Attwood winning the Monaco Grand Prix support race.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL |
VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I |
The best combination of all criteria. |
II |
Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III |
In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
