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1960 Dolphin Formula Junior MKI

- From Dolphin Engineering Company

The Dolphin Formula Junior, designed by John Crosthwaite, formerly with the Cooper Works and the Lotus Race Team, and built by Crosthwaite and Robert Hull of La Jolle, California, is one of the first true production road racing machines built in the United States. It offers rear engine placement, four wheel independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, fiberglass body, space frame and combining the best of European and American design.

The body, using fiberglass and aluminum, is aerodynamically conceived and features a cockpit of large dimensions suited to the American driver. Utilizing an unusually deep stress section, the straight tube space frame offers maximum rigidity and driver protection. Dolphin Engineering has designed and constructs it's own magnesium wheel, weighing under nine pounds and acting as an air pump to assure cool brakes at all times. The production car uses the successful Fiat 1100cc engine, highly modified with dual S.U. 1.5-inch carburetors, Crower-Schneider camshaft, high compression head, electric fuel pump and the specially designed Dolphin intake manifold and headers. The center mounted gas tank, complying with USAC regulations, is aluminum alloy wrapped in fiberglass to give maximum fire protection. Steering is through Dolphin Engineering rack-and-pinion, 1 3/4 turns 'lock-to-lock', and using a Derrington 24-inch high wrapped steering wheel.

The independent rear suspension, by coil spring/shocker units, is completely adjustable and may be varied to suit the driver and circuit.

The Dolphin may be purchased as a raceable car, or as a kit in any stage of construction. The car is complete down to balanced wheels, safety belt, Derrington racing mirrors, customer's choice of color, owners manual and spare parts list. Spares, incidentally, are as close as your phone, with everything available from frame to instruments.

Dolphin Engineering plans to campaign extensively this year with a team of three works cars. They will race first on West Coast circuits and then most across country to try their hand against Eastern cars. If success warrants it, the team with then go to Europe to make an attempt on the Formula Junior Championship next year. The team drivers will be Robert Hall, John Biehl, and Warren Boynton. In addition to the works cars, four other machines are under construction, three being sold to San Diegans Lou Khapik, Frank Fortune and Ed Erickson.

The first outing of the car at Examiner Grand Prix at Riverside met with failure due to broken half shaft on the starting line. However, World Champion Jack Brabham and Porsche exponent Ken Miles drove the Dolphin during practice and had high praise for the car's handling.

The complete car will sell for 3895.00 F.O.B. El Cajon, California, and include all equipment necessary to go directly to the track. Options on carburetors, tires, fuel tank sizes, magnesium wheels, pistons, etc. will be offered at a nominal cost. Dolphin Engineering will also arrange financing, insurance, and will accept trades on both production and racing cars.

Related Reading : Dolphin FJ Series History

Dolphin Engineering was formed by Bud Hull and John Crosthwaite. Crosthwaite was an English race car designer whose resume includes names such as Lotus, Cooper and Jay Chamberlain. Hull was an aerospace industry craftsman. The company was formed with the intent on creating suitable racers for the newly formed Formula Junior racing series. Their design was based on a space frame chassis and powered....
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