Introduction
Ashley Dawson
A fascinating and extremely rare, rear-engined Formula Junior with period competition history, a comprehensive rebuild, and successful historic racing appearances under its current ownership.
Formula Junior was conceived by Italian racer and motoring journalist Count Giovanni Lurani as an affordable route into single-seater competition. Using production-based engines and mechanical components, the category quickly developed into an important training ground for aspiring drivers and constructors, receiving international recognition from the FIA in 1959.
By this point, the Kieft name was already well established in British motor racing. Earlier Kieft competition cars had been driven by figures including Stirling Moss, while Don Parker enjoyed considerable success in the marque’s 500cc Formula 3 machinery.
The Formula Junior was developed after Lionel Mayman and John Turvey acquired the Kieft name in 1960. Designed by Ron Timmins, it followed the increasingly popular rear-engined layout and combined an exceptionally compact tubular spaceframe with lightweight bodywork and production-based mechanical components.
Period Kieft Formula Juniors were generally powered by derivatives of the Ford 105E overhead-valve engine, driving through a modified Renault transaxle. The model also employed independent suspension and all-round drum brakes, with an aluminium body helping to keep weight to a minimum.
The precise number completed remains the subject of some discussion. Lionel Mayman later recalled that five cars were completed in addition to the prototype, although further frames and components are also understood to have existed. Whatever the exact figure, the Kieft Formula Junior remains an exceptionally uncommon sight in historic competition.
The model demonstrated considerable promise. Peter Arundell drove Kieft Formula Juniors during a Silverstone press introduction in 1961, while John Rhodes subsequently recorded a victory at Mallory Park.
This particular car carries chassis plate 1/1 and is understood to have raced in the UK for approximately four years during the early part of its life. It travelled to America in 1964, where it was involved in an accident in 1968. It was imported in 2015 before being completely rebuilt in 2017, and successfully campaigned in the UK by the vendor since then.
This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Rob the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
