Finally Got a Race Car

After a few false starts I finally was able to put a race car in the garage. I originally wanted to race sports cars, like MGs or TRs, but figured that they would end up costing more in the long run with updates and continuous modifications...So I figured that something like Formula Ford would be the best way since everybody has a little bit of Jim Clark in them anyway.

So a friend of a friend was selling his Cooper Formula 3 car, so that's what I got. Im going to do a mechanical refurb on it this winter, then maybe next year an actual restoration.

Yup Andy...This is the one I was talking to you about at the PVGP!

In reply to Leo Basile:

Leo,

Great news! I wish I still had garage space for toys!

Rupert

In reply to Leo Basile:

Almost forgot. PICTURES PLEASE!!

Rupert

One more just for fun:

Note the leather straps holding the fuel tanks in place...Its British alright.

Congratulations! Living the dream!

I just hope it will start!

Leo

What are you going to do with that big heavy boat parked to your new ride in the picture? It looks kinda top heavy to me.

It does now that you mention it! I never noticed.

Leo

Why does the intake manifold on that thing make my head hurt?

Is that reallya DCOE that is running on a single throat? Who dreamed that one up? Reminds me of the "Split Weber" games the MG guys play.

The race car is way cool by the way.

Very cool. I expect updates.

I certainly will. I had messed around with a Formula V and had the pleasant realization that race cars don't have any chrome dodads or any of that BS. The Cooper should be equally simple(the restoration) and a bit more rewarding to get back on the track.

Im tickled to do this.

Leo

Legs sandwiched between two boxes of fuel... ah the good ole days...

I want one.

Very nice! Are you keeping the F3 configuration?

Wow!! I'm in the process converting a previous raced back in the day Triumph TR7 into a TR8 for our race effort, but a genuine Cooper F3 is way too cool. Those formula ford guys can eat their hearts out. :-)

I do plan on keeping in F3 trim. I may convert it in to a Junior if I can find some IDAs and a twin carb manifold. As I understand it, the carbs are the only required mod to change to FJ.

Nohome, the spec for Formula 3 called for a single barrel carb. As I understand it there was none better than a 2 barrel Weber IDA(that's the down draught version of the DCOE).

Very cool, keep us updated!

Oh man that is cool. I'm drooling on my keyboard as I type this

When the time comes to rebuild the carb, don't bother. Just switch barrels.

LOL...You know I had thought about that, I haven't looked close yet, but that barrel is pretty well sealed. I wouldn't be surprised if there is nothing in side.

Leo

Ian F wrote: Legs sandwiched between two boxes of fuel... ah the good ole days... I want one.

Held in place with what looks like two army surplus courier bag straps. The really scary part is I have driven MUCH worse on track.

Way cool. Does F3 run monoposto group 2 with FJ and FF?

It will run with the FJs.

Leo

I have several Hewland MK 8/9 gear ratios for sale when you get to the point of prepping it for a specific track.

Len, Sounds good! Can you send me an email with the info?

snakedriver01 at Hotmail dot com

Thanks, Leo