1962 Genie Mk.IV The “FerHarry”

History

This was one of the first Genie Mk.IV under 2 liter sports racers built by Joe Huffaker. It was purchased by Harry Banta of Reno directly from Joe in 1962. 

Harry did extensive testing and development with the Genie in 1962. In 1963-64, Harry raced the car extensively in the Northern California Region SCCA, G and F modified classes.  

In 1964 Harry and the Genie won the SCCA Nor-Cal Championship. He was also honored with the Lou Breo Award for Sportsmanship.

During this period Harry made several modifications to the Genie in preparation for racing the car in the 1965 United State Road Racing Championship (“USRRC”) pro series. These unique modifications would lead to fan and racer speculation as to exactly what kind of car Harry was racing? At one race one of Harry’s crew answered the inquiry saying “This isn’t a Genie, this car is ‘For Harry’!” The “For Harry” name would soon become popularly known as the “FerHarry,” a name that would stick with the car for the rest of its life. The car was actually entered in USRRC events as the “Ferharry.” 

In 1965, Harry and the Genie were on a tear. They competed in an incredible 32 races, and won 11 of them. They captured the SCCA Nor-Cal Championship again. The would also go on to finish second in the Pacific Road Racing Championship. 

Harry would continue to compete with the Genie in the 1966 and 1967 seasons, including USRRC races. Incredibly, Banta and the Ferharry would even claim a Laguna Seca track record with what was then a 5 year old car. At the end of 1967, Harry retired from racing and the Genie/Ferharry was parked. 

The Genie/Ferharry sat dormant until the mid 1980’s when Reno resident John Kuenzli (2nd owner) returned the car to the track and ran it successfully in many HMSA and CSRG vintage events through 1989. During this period John and the Genie/Ferharry were accepted to compete consecutively in the 1986, 1987, and 1988 Monterey Historic Races. 

During John’s ownership, he researched the history of the Genie/Ferharry. That research would lead to a 1996 Victory Lane Magazine article entitled “Huffaker for Harry” detailing Harry’s many exploits with the famous Ferharry. 

The short, and clear, ownership history of the Genie/FerHarry is as follows:

First Owner: Harry Banta. Reno Nevada. 1962-1968. Purchased the Genie directly from Joe Huffaker at the Huffaker works in California. Nor-Cal, SFR and USSRC competitor 1956-1967. PCRRC champion, 2 time Nor-Cal Champion G modified, Lou Brero Sportsmanship Award Winner 1964.

Second Owner: John Kuenzli. Reno Nevada 1968-1989. Competed in SFR, HMSA and CSRG racing with the Genie, a Bouegeault FB, and several other vintage racing cars.

Third owner: Sam McCord Sr. Reno Nevada.  2009 – 2014 vintage racing with HMSA and CSRG. 

Fourth Owner: Sam McCord Jr. Reno Nevada. 2023 to present. Most recent race was the CSRG David Love Memorial Races, March, 2024.

Description

The Genie was upgraded to a 1600 c.c. Lotus twin cam in period by Harry Banta. The car currently runs a period-correct modified Ford Kent Pro 1600. The engine was built in 2023 by Ivey Engines. 

The power is driven through a Hewland Mk.9 gearbox.  The Genie will be sold with the gearbox freshly rebuilt by Hewland gearbox specialist, Scott Young.

Additional information on the Genie’s specs will be posted soon.  

The Genie/Ferharry’s most recent race was the 2024 CSRG David Love Memorial Races at Sonoma Raceway in March. The car ran at the front all weekend, often leading the under 2 liter sports racing class. It will be sold genuinely on-the-button with its fresh gearbox installed.

This Genie was part of the famous “rear-engine revolution” that took over F1, IndyCar, and Sports Racing Cars in the early 1960’s. Joe Huffaker’s Genies were the first of the American sports racing cars to adopt the rear engine layout, and were successful right from the start, winning races and championships. 

Today, this Genie is a great entry for historic races worldwide, including such events as The Rolex Monterey Reunion, The Goodwood Revival, The SVRA National Championship, and many more. So race it with your local club, or race it on some of the biggest vintage racing stages in the world, and for less than the cost of the engines of some of the other cars at those events. Easy to race, easy to maintain, and a continuing threat to win. All good. 

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

(c) 1996-2024, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.

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