1962 Huffaker BMC Mk.3/6 Formula Junior

History

In 1960, Joe Huffaker, head of British Motor Car Distributors Competition Dept., built the original BMC Mk.1 front engine Formula Junior. The Mk.1 was instantly successful winning nine races, and finishing second in two others.

Next came the Mk.2, a rear engine car with drum brakes. It was also BMC powered and came with a VW transaxle. The front lower suspension was a stamped steel production piece from an Austin Healey. The Mk.2 was also very successful, winning the SCCA Pacific Coast Championship.

The Mk.3 followed in 1962 with disc front brakes, and drum rear brakes. The frame was also lengthened. The Mk.3 then evolved into the Mk.3A with rear disc brakes, and tubular front suspension. The Mk.2 and Mk3/3A cars were also sold in kit forms with engine mounts for BMC and Ford 105E engines.

A June, 1963, Sports Car Graphic article introduced the next BMC Junior, the new BMC “Mk.6” model. The article was complete with photos of two of the new machines. One was powered by a BMC engine, and the other an 1100 c.c. Ford 105E Formula Junior engine. The Ford engine car was owned by Marv Webster. The BMC powered car was the ex-works car then owned by Larry Albedi and Chuck Tannlund.

The car offered here was originally thought to be one of the original Mk.6 models, and was restored to the specs in the article. However, subsequent research indicates the Sports Car Graphic article got it all wrong. According to Joe Huffaker Sr. the works never offered a factory Mk.6 model. The cars in the article were period developed Mk.3/3A cars. Both Larry Albedi and Chuck Tannlund confirmed the same. Even the article’s author, Pete Biro, does not recall why he called the cars “Mk.6’s.”

The Biro article, however, did feature photos of a genuine Ford powered Mk.3/3A, the Marv Webster car. The Ford power plant in the BMC car was hardly surprising at that time as Huffaker was selling Mk.3 Formula Junior kits with both BMC and Ford engine mounts in 1962 and 1963 because of the popularity, and success, of the 105E engine.

Current research indicates the car seen here was originally a Mk.3, most likely sold in kit form. Pre restoration photos of the rolling chassis show front disc brakes, drum rear brakes, and tubular front suspension. However, the tubular front suspension was likely added after original purchase, perhaps as part of a period attempt to upgrade the car to the Mk.3A/”Mk.6” specs depicted in the magazine article. The car also came with boxes of old parts including a Ford 105E engine, Hewland gearbox, and rear disc brakes, all of which would have been correct for the “Mk.6” model shown in the article. No BMC engine pieces were found.

Since restoration, the car has competed at the Formula Junior 50th Anniversary Jubilee at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, and at various CSRG races.

The Huffaker is quick. It has turned lap times in the 1:49’s at Sonoma Raceway, one of just a handful of Formula Juniors to do so. It has has also sat on the Formula Junior pole besting Lotus 27’s, and a Lola Mk.5A’s.  You can see a video of the car in action against more powerful sports racers at Sonoma CSRG.

Description

The Huffaker is powered by a low time Richardson engine mated to a Hewland 5 speed. It has Lockheed four wheel disc brakes, and chrome moly A-arms. New bodywork and fresh paint. All hardware is AN quality.

This is a piece of early U.S. Formula car history, designed by one of the best in the business, Joe Huffaker. These cars won in period, and this car is a proven front runner now in historic Formula Junior.

The Huffaker has also been accepted at, and raced at, the premier Formula Junior events in the U.S., and is also being offered for far less than the Lotuses, Lolas, and Brabhams – cars it has already bested.

If you want a good deal on a fast, historically significant car that someone else has already put the time, money, and development into, this Huffaker should make your short list.

Let us know if you are interested, and we’ll get you whatever additional information you may want.

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) 1996-2023, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.

Questions, Comments, Offers?

Please Contact Us if you have any questions or comments, 

or would like to make a non-binding offer.