1960 Kieft

⭕ THE SALE

This 1960 Kieft Formula Junior is currently in a 2-week auction on our website. This is our guide price, i.e. what we think the car is worth in the current market, however, the reserve will be lower. You can read much more about the car, see of hundreds of detailed photos and videos of it, and ask the seller any questions on our website: we can't add links on this platform, so please search for "Trade Classics" on Google.

⭕ VEHICLE SUMMARY

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.

⭕ VEHICLE DETAIL

We've written a longer and more detailed description of this vehicle on our website, which will answer all of your burning questions. To see the car on our site then just search for us, Trade Classics, on Google.

⭕ BEFORE YOU CALL US

We love to talk about cars, but more than 90% of buyers' questions are answered in the full listings on our website: there you'll find a huge amount of detailed information about this car's history, condition, and specification - as well as hundreds of detailed photos and videos. Don't worry: if you still have a question, please just give us a call during office hours.

⭕ ABOUT US

Trade Classics is the most trusted auction house in the UK, with 4.9* on TrustPilot and thousands of happy buyers and sellers. Our mission is to provide the most honest and transparent listings available. By helping you avoid scammers, timewasters, and expensive platform fees, we make the process of buying and selling a car as pleasurable as driving it.

⭕ FINANCE AVAILABLE

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.