The History of Formula Ford
Formula Ford 1600 quickly became popular after its inception in 1967. It aimed to promote driver talent by providing a low cost entry into motorsport - the original rules stating that cars were "Not to exceed £1000 retail complete and in running order" !
The cars were single seater, open wheel, open bodywork racers, originally running on treaded road tyres, only later was a special "control" racing tyre specified although still retaining a tread pattern. Aerodynamic aids (wings) were not allowed. Although costs were kept down by specifying a basically standard 1600cc Ford overhead valve engine, originally the 1500cc engine from the Cortina GT. and space-frame chassis construction as opposed to the more expensive monocoque, it was not long before the cost limit of £1000 was dispensed with.
As development of the cars continued apace, lap times dropped and inevitably costs began to climb. There soon arose a demand from owners of older cars for a championship in which they could once again compete for victory on level terms with a limited budget.
In 1979 the pre-'74 Championship was born to cater for cars built prior to 1974. It was joined in 1984 by the '74/78 Championship and a year later by the Formula E Championship. The formula E championship was basically a pre 1980 championship because it outlawed any car which did not have outboard suspension. This category had a particularly strong following in the north of England.
In 1991 the '74/78 Championship was extended to include cars made and raced before the end of 1980, being renamed the '74/80 Championship. These 3 championships, the pre-'74, 74/80 and Formula E thrived in parallel until 1994 when they were amalgamated under the Classic Formula Ford banner by the Classic Formula Ford 1600 Register. The Championship is run by the BARC. The class structure is "A" class - pre'74 cars and "B" class - pre-'82 cars.
In addition to the Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship the Historic Sports Car Club caters for older Formula Fords and runs a championship for cars built prior to 1971. If you wish to race more modern FF1600 cars there are many reginal championships, as well a National championship that are run by the BRSCC. There are also two major end of season Knock Out events where drivers from all over the world bring FF1600 cars of all ages to compete in a series of heats, semi and final races. The most famouse of these being the Formula Ford Festival held anually at Brands Hatch, closely followed by the Walter Hayes Trophy held anually at Silverstone.
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