£ 8,750

Crosslé 55F, 1983, Formula Ford 1600 'Kent' - SOLD

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Crosslé 55F Formula Ford 1600, 1983. Economical project, excellent entry to top European 'Kent' series

Description:

Built from 1982 to 1984, 50-series Crosslés for the first time featured inboard-suspension, radiator behind the driver, and a completely new ‘look’ from their ultra-successful 30 and 40 series Formula Ford predecessors. Straightforward to drive and robust in construction, these cars continued to prove popular with race schools in Europe and the USA.

Eddie Irvine took his first podium finish in a 50F, and for 1983 the 55F incorporated improved cooling and revised suspension for a very competitive car. Anthony Murray won both Irish Formula Ford 1600 championships that year with a 55F, and Tom Brown took the Scottish FF crown with his. Murray’s 55F also finished sixth in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, against the world’s best drivers and constructors during an intensely innovative period in the history of FF1600.

This is 55F-84-20, delivered originally to Richard Peacock in October 1983. Unusually, we believe that the car last raced in 1989, stored since then in the collection of Irish racing legend Tommy Reid, on whose behalf Crosslé offers the car.

The 55F is for sale as-seen, complete with period Hewland Mk9 gearbox, but without engine and exhaust. GRP bodywork is tired in places and could be easily tidied or replaced (all 55F parts, including bodywork, are available from the original factory). Mechanical components appear to be in excellent condition, as expected of a car raced for only 20% of its life. Long-term inactivity means that this 55F will require a new battery, harness and fire extinguisher, as well as inspection and replacement of other parts where necessary.

Specification includes cockpit-adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars.

The car was displayed at Epoqu’Auto in Lyon in November 2019, as part of a central display of twelve Crosslés spanning seven decades of the company’s history. We can arrange to deliver it anywhere.

France, Germany, UK and other countries have excellent Kent Formula Ford 1600 series in which this car would be welcome and competitive from 2020, a straightforward winter project at affordable cost.

'Crossle' spelling added here to facilitate search.