**WITHDRAWN**1971 Elden Mk8 - Historic Formula Ford

During the seventies Formula Ford was the championship where you began your 'stairway to heaven' as an aspiring race driver. There was a plethora of manufacturers ready to supply front runners with their products and watch the sales roll in. It was a good business with very healthy markets in the UK, Europe and the States aided by fledgling race schools. The Formula guaranteed close racing with virtually similar power outputs from the Ford 1600cc Kent Crossflow, and "control tyres' from Firestone . The advantage had to be mainly in the chassis and the "one to have' changed almost monthly. Manufacturers included Merlyn ,Crosslé, Dulon, Lotus, Hawke, Royale and Elden. The end of season highlight was the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch where the manufacturers were very eager to show their chassis off with engine builders supplying their best units. The eventual winner of this International event usually went on to greater things, Johnny Herbert, Eddie Irvine, Mark Webber and Jenson Button were all winners.

Elden were in the leading pack of Formula Ford manufacturers and in 1971 produced the PH8 which was very successfully driven by Tony Brise. He won 33 races including The Townsend Thoresen Championship, taking numerous fastest laps, lap records and pole positions on the way. Danny Sullivan carried the mantle for Elden in 1972.

Offered here is one of the 1972 'Catnic Steel Lintels Elden MK8s' that was driven by Tim Brise (Tony's brother), Chris Smith and Mike Catlow in period. Discovered in Canada in 2005 it was refurbished and race-prepared for Prof. John Monson by DCH Autocraft (Don Haldenby, ex-Stirling Moss mechanic) in 2007. It also received a new Neil Bold engine which is only three races and one day's testing old. It has new drive-shafts, rear dampers and electronic ignition for optimum performance. This is a proven race winning chassis in Historic Formula Ford (Amanda Whitaker/Bob Wainwright) and very practical with all the parts and bodywork available. With the belts replaced and the extinguisher serviced this FF is ready to race. Spares include two wheels, rear trailing arms and anti-roll bar. HSCC papers have been applied for.

Formula Ford is still a very cost effective way to experience the handling of a single seater. This historic car is surely a sound investment with the opportunity to race in a pure