1967 Chinook MK5

The Chinook racing cars were built in Canada between 1966 - 1970. The cars were built by Hungarian brothers Rudy and George Fejer. They originally built sports cars and later built Formula Atlantic and Indy cars.

The design of the MK5 was very similar to the McLaren M1 and was built in 1966 in time for George Fejer to drive it at the September Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant race near St. Jovite, Que. This was the very first Canadian-American Challenge Cup race and it was won by England's John Surtees in a Lola.

In 1967, the car was purchased by Nat Adams for $10,000, and he raced it over several seasons before selling it.

After the purchase, they built the Cooper-Chinook FF. These cars were similar in design to the Lotus Type 51/61 and clothed in a Lotus 59-inspired bodyshell. These cars ran with both Formula Ford spec and 1600 XF engines. Some examples conformed to Formula B spec and were powered by Lotus Twin Cam engines. Some people disagree with this historical account, claiming it untrue.

After spending over twenty years in the United States in pieces, this car was completely rebuilt with sights set on returning it to the track. It would eventually be completed, just days before the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Although some parts would pose quite a challenge, Anthony Taylor of Autotune would complete the car and personally race it in the current owners' absence. Originally equipped with a 6.2-liter Chevrolet engine, they settled for a 5.7 liter Chevy engine to get it to the race.

Since its reappearance, the present owner has enjoyed sorting and running this car at various events, including a return to Mosport for the VARAC Vintage race meeting. Original creators Rudy and Jolly Fejer along with Ed Butt were in attendance in an emotional reunion.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2017