Lot 204: 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’. This car is reputed to have held the lap record at Malloy in period. 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 hill climbs. 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, who had Robin Lackford Engineering install a fresh Formula Ford engine, Hewland Mk8 gearbox, and do a very thorough job of presenting the car to the standard it is today. The car was sold in exchange to before being sold to the current vendor. Since restoration the car has done two races with Derek Graham and five races, all last season, with the current vendor. The car is on the button ready to race and comes with two sets of wheels, one with Avon tyres and the other, a brand new set of Wellas with one race only treaded Dunlops (to make it eligible for the Classic Racing Car Series). It is offered with sundry restoration invoices and FF Historic Sports Car Club registration papers. This is a good opportunity to purchase a very attractive and well presented entry in to the competitive and popular HSCC Historic Formula Ford and Classic Racing Car series