1600cc F3 Cars

[Steve Wilkinson]

HSCC plans revival for 1600cc Formula 3

The Historic Sports Car Club is targeting the 1600cc Formula 3 cars of the early 1970s for a revival in 2011 and anyone with a car from the era is being invited to Brands Hatch on 11 September, where the club will be running a full programme of racing.

Although the 1600cc Formula 3 era was relatively short-lived, running for just three seasons, it was a time when many future Grand Prix stars were making their name in Formula 3. Notable British racers of the era included the so-called 'Lost Generation' of Roger Williamson, Tony Brise and Tom Pryce.

With the 1-litre era (1964-1970) and 2-litre era (1974-1980) Formula 3 cars already enjoying successful race series under the wing of the HSCC, the club is now keen to get more of the 1600cc generation cars from 1971-1973 onto the track.

The club's aim is to have between 10 and 20 1600cc F3 cars racing regularly in 2011 and beyond, running alongside the 2-litre cars in the Classic Formula 3 Championship. The 1600cc cars were part of the Classic F3 race at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix in May 2010 and the club believes that many more cars could be out racing regularly.

"These are very pretty and effective cars from Lotus, Ensign, GRD and March," said Reg James, of the HSCC Classic F3 Championship. "We know that there are lots of inactive chassis in the UK. So if anyone has a car, whatever its condition, be it a Monoposto, a hill climb special, immaculate and on the button, a long term project or a pile of tubes, we would love them to bring it to Brands, put it on show and meet up with the Classic F3 competitors."

For any 1600cc F3 car, whether the car is running or not, Brands Hatch on 11 September is the key date and the HSCC is keen to hear from owners. Complimentary tickets will be available for anyone taking a 1600cc F3 car and invitations can be gained by calling the club office on 01327 858400 or sending an e-mail to office@hscc.org.uk

For more details about the HSCC, please visit www.hscc.org.uk