1961 Huffaker Genie Mk5 Sports Racer

History

Cooper showed the way to the future in the mid 1950’s with a mid engine sports car design called the Cooper T39 “Bobtail.” The success of that mid engine racing car design would catapult Cooper to back to back F1 World Championships in 1959 and 1960. 

This change from front engine to mid (or “rear”) engine design was keenly observed by Joe Huffaker in the San Francisco Bay Area. Moving on from his 1959 BMC Mk1 front engine Formula Junior design, by 1961 Joe was designing and building mid engine Formula Juniors and mid engine sports racing cars which he called “Genies,” after his wife, Jean. 

The Mk5 Genie was essentially a beefed up version of the MkIV, built to handle larger displacement and more powerful engines. Production of the Mk5 was limited to approximately 10 cars. They could be purchased completed, or as a roller. 

This particular Genie was originally sold by Huffaker as a rolling chassis. It is powered by a period correct full race Alfa 1600 engine. That configuration qualified the car to run every year of the USRRC (United States Road Racing Championship) series up to its final year in 1968. Today it is still eligible for historic USRRC races, including the Monterey Reunion.

The Genie has competed with CSRG, HMSA, and SVRA, including with prior owners David Martin and Tom Tuttle. Most recently the Genie has raced at Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway. The car has also competed at prestigious events including the Sonoma Speed Festival and the Velocity Invitational. To see the car in action on track at Velocity, click on the link below and scroll down and see a photo of the Genie leading a pack of cars at Sports Car Digest.

The Genie is currently scheduled to race at the CSRG Sears Point Challenge October 9-11. It will be sold fully prepped for that event. The Genie can also be seen and inspected by appointment at Sonoma Raceway. Just let us know and we can make the arrangements with you.

Description

The Genie has a tubular space frame chassis covered in a fiberglass body. The front suspension is by unequal length A-arms. The steering is transmitted through a BMC rack and pinion setup. The rear suspension is by parallel radius rods and inverted lower A-arm rear links. 

The Genie is powered by a 1600 c.c. Alfa dry sump twin cam engine with twin side draft 45 DCOE Weber carburetors. The Alfa’s power is driven through a Webster five speed gearbox. Fuel is supplied by an ATL fuel cell and Facet fuel pump. The Alfa is cooled by an aluminum Ron Davis radiator, and an Earl’s Performance oil cooler. Power is provided by an Odyssey gel cell battery, an alternator, and a remote jump battery coupler. Engine vitals are monitored by a Stack tach and Smiths oil pressure, and oil and water temp gauges. 

The Genie rides on Panasport Z alloy racing wheels with 4.0X13 front and 5.5X13 rear Dunlop L Series tires. Damping is handled by double adjustable Koni aluminum shocks with Eibach springs.  Braking is provided by outboard front disc brakes and inboard rear disc brakes The Sabelt belts are good through 2028. The S.P.A. fire system shows a current charge, but depending upon your sanctioning body you may have to get an updated bottle. The Genie is also equipped with a very cool period style Talbot rearview mirror.

Approximately 15 of the MkIV and Mk5 Genies were constructed. That makes this a rare and desirable entry for premier events like the  Rolex Monterey Reunion and the Velocity Invitational where this Genie has already been accepted and raced. Even better, the car is still maintained by Huffaker Motorsports, who can supply everything you will ever need to run this car. 

The owner is moving on to other things so the Genie needs a new home. He has priced the car aggressively (much less than what he paid for it) to hasten its sale. This is an opportunity to own and race a beautiful professionally maintained car by the same shop that originally built it, and be competitive with the Lotus 23’s and Elva Mk7’s for tens of thousands of dollars less. You will also have the panache of running a competitive American designed and built car, part of the American racing legacy and winners in period and today in historic racing.

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.

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