Description:

We are delighted to offer for sale an exceptionally rare and fastidiously cared for 1969 Elden Sturdgess Mk7 Formula 100 race car from a private collection.

One of just three produced, the Mk7 was a particularly successful runner in the Formula 100 series in 1970-1971, winning several championship races. In the capable hands of Chris Lee, it set a lap record of Castle Combe in 1971 averaging 94.36 miles per hour and equalled the lap record in the same year at Mallory Park.

The Mk7 (Sturdgess) was designed by Peter Hampsheir with McLaren bodywork designer Tony Hilder producing the body. However, as with most race car production during this period, the purse strings were often short and the road to financial stability long. In order to free up much needed factory space, and allow mass production of the Mk8 Formula Ford, Clarke Sturdgess purchased all three cars from the Hampsheir brothers and completed their construction.

This car, (SL1/3) was the first of the three built and raced by Clarke Sturdgess himself with the second and third car being raced by Chris Lee and Mark Cole of Hot Car magazine respectively.

A unique set of circumstances also led to this vehicle being raced at the street circuit in Kowloon when its then owner was stationed in Hong Kong. Due to it being a street race, the car had some ‘minor adjustments’ such as rear and front light (which can still be seen) and some gentle persuasion was required with the stewards to have the car signed off as a road legal participant. 

Now fitted with a completely rebuilt 1600cc Ford crossflow engine, this vehicle also retains its original 1300cc Ford Kent block, allowing purists the opportunity to fit it with the very same power plant with which it raced in the Formula 100 series.

Following successful campaigning at various historic events, an extensive restoration and race preparation, in the excess of £30,000 was conducted by marque specialists. So this vehicle is ready to be enjoyed on track once again. 

The work completed includes:

• A rebuilt 1600cc engine with a rebuilt head and carburettors (further details available)

• A new clutch assembly which has been adjusted accordingly

• New starter, new gel battery and external charging adapter

• Fuel tank replaced, filled with aluminium pellets, gas drain valve to empty tank, new fuel lines, gas pump etc

• New brakes including discs, lines and master cylinder

• New suspension - front and back (dampers and springs)

• Steering completely replaced

• Cooling system upgraded and tested (runs on Evans)

• All wiring replaced and tested

• Exhaust rebuilt and adjusted (including lambda sonde and display in cockpit)

• A new heat absorbent shield for the rear of the car 

• Repainting of the rear of the vehicle

The vehicle is race ready and also comes with a spare windshield, two sets of wheels and tyres (slicks and rain tyres), a race jack, a box of small bits and parts, but most important of all, incredibly rare side moulds should some bodywork need to be replaced.

This car offers a slice of British motorsport nostalgia, caringly preserved for a new custodian to enjoy on track, at a hillclimb, or in a collection.

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