1960 Kieft Formula Junior Monoposto

This vehicle is a 1960 Kieft Formula Junior with chassis number 2. Cyril Kieft formed the original company in 1950, commissioning a Formula 3 car of unique specification. Stirling Moss had initial success with the car and was a director for a time with Don Parker, notable for his successes. The company came under three different owners through 1962. Sports cars were built and claim the distinction of employing the first Coventry FWA race engine. A Kieft Formula 1 was partially constructed and, in 2001, was finally completed with the intended Coventry Godiva V-8.

In 1960, under Lionel Mayman and John Turvey, an FJ prototype was designed by Ron Timmins. The Kieft is one of the shortest of all FJs and is powered by a Ford 105E pushrod engine, which came to dominate the class. Initial success led to the production of 5 cars, three 'works', and two for privateers. This car was sold to David Prophet, who insisted on helping build his own car. David was the most successful Kieft FJ entrant, scoring a few podium finishes and many top tens. John Rhodes, one of the works drivers, scored a win at Mallory Park on July 2nd, 1961.

In the end, Kieft was unable to keep pace with the Formula 1 technology brought to bear in FJ by Lotus, Cooper, and Lola. The FJ was the last of the Kieft cars. Kieft ended Formula Junior production during 1962, unable to capitalize the necessary development brought to bear by Formula Junior teams fielded by lotus, Lola, Brabham, and Cooper. The rate of technological advancement and expense proved to be the demise of many small manufacturers, and accordingly, Formula Juniors as an FIA class ceased at the end of 1963. Kieft continued as a Roots Group dealer and performance tuner.

This car is powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 77 foot-pounds of torque and 103 horsepower. It has a Dauphine C/R gearbox and Dunlop racing tires.