Lot 609: 1970 Nike Mk6 Formula Ford 1600 Single-Seater

Nike Formula Ford monopostos were produced by spaceframe specialist Ken Nicholls’ Nicholls Engineering & Development Limited, of North Devon. This example’s chassis number indicates that it was constructed on 27.11.70 and is a Mark 6: number ‘12’. The accompanying factory-supplied history reveals that it was originally one of the works supported Doug Bassett cars, the other being Mark 6 number ‘10’. At the end of a successful season, it was sold to John Woodcock of Bradford, returning to the factory at least twice for repair before it was again sold.
Eventually the car reappeared in the ownership of Chris Hill from Reading in about 1978. The factory took the car back, less engine and gearbox, in part exchange for a Mk 10 Formula Ford and sold it on, as received, to Roger Britton of Bideford, who used it in sprints and hillclimbs.
After several other owners, the car resurfaced in 1989 with Kelvin Broad of Launceston. Once again, the factory repurchased the car, less engine and gearbox, in 1993. Since that date, the car has been brought back to the original 1970 Formula Ford specification and completely re-built as a rolling chassis. The factory then sold the car (circa May 2000) to Derek Graham of Handcross, after installing his own Formula Ford engine and Hewland Mk8 gearbox.
The vendor describes the car as ‘sound and ready to race’. It is offered with sundry restoration invoices and FF Historic Sports Car Club registration papers.