1968 Alexis Mk15 Historic Formula Ford

Please note there is an element of finishing work required to the radiator, driveshafts and oil system. Because of this the estimate has been lowered to £17,000 - £20,000. Required parts are included in the sale.

Formula Ford 1600 has pride of place as the world’s most successful single seater formula. The brainchild of Walter Hayes, Ford’s Marketing Director who saw the potential of using a blueprinted 1,600cc Kent engine mated to a thoroughbred single seater to create the ultimate level playing field for emerging talent. The rules were simple, tubular space frame chassis (from any manufacturer), four gears, control tyres and steel brakes. The result took the world by storm and the formula counts names such as Senna, Schumacher, Fittipaldi, Hakkinen, Button, Räikkönen and Hill among its alumni. 

Founded by Alex Francis and Bill Harris, Alexis first made an impact in Formula Junior racing in the early 1960s, building cars for its in-house Team Alexis, however, their decision to become involved with Formula Ford was the right one, proving an outstanding success both competitively and commercially. The firm’s first FF design was the 'Russell-Alexis' (retrospectively known as the Mk14) following a deal struck to supply cars for the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, hence the name. The first Formula Ford race was held at Brands Hatch on 2nd July 1967 and the Alexis Mk14 went on to win more races in the following 12 months than any other contender, comfortably eclipsing its main rival, the Lotus 51. The Russell-Alexis evolved into the Alexis Mk15 late in 1968 and this model was the firm’s frontline FF contender for the 1969 season.

This beautiful Mk15 is eligible for HSCC’s ever-popular Historic FF1600 championship and is offered fresh from a substantial rebuild by Iain Rowley at Delta Motorsport to a high standard. No stone went unturned in the car’s reconstruction which now boasts a zero miles Barnett engine and a zero miles refreshed Hewland Mk8 gearbox with new input shaft. Meanwhile the chassis has been freshly powder-coated and bodywork all resprayed to a high standard. Brand new dampers and springs take care of the suspension, which also features all new rose-joints and bearings. Additionally, the following are all new: drive shafts, instruments, extinguisher, belts, wheels & tyres, brake callipers and pads, exhaust, brake and clutch lines, clutch release bearing, master cylinders and the battery.

Professionally prepared and beautifully presented, this little Alexis is offered 'on the button' and after a spanner check, ready to race. Competitive in class in Historic FF, it would also be fun for an occasional day at Shelsley or Prescott.