In this guide we are going to cover the popular single-seater series of Formula B, Formula Atlantic and Formula Two.
From 1964 to 1978, these racing categories and the flat-bottomed formula cars manufactured to compete in them served as a stepping stone to the upper echelons of open-wheeled racing, be it SCCA, USAC or Formula 1.
Formula B was primarily a U.S. series governed by the SCCA during the 1960s. These cars had tubular chassis, and were powered by the production-based, 4-cylinder, carbureted 1600-cc Lotus twincam engine, which originally only produced 140 bhp. With development, these engines now produce 195 bhp.
Formula Atlantic evolved out of Formula B in the early 1970s. Although this series raced outside the U.S., it was very popular in the U.S. These cars had a monocoque chassis and were powered by the 4-cylinder, carbureted 1600-cc Cosworth BDD engine originally producing 200 bhp. These engine, now produce 220 bhp.
Formula Two was an international series, with a European championship as well as the Temporada series in South America. It was governed by the FIA. From 1964–66, these cars had tubular chassis and utilized highly developed 4-cylinder fuel-injected 1,000-cc Cosworth and Honda engines producing 125 bhp.
F2 cars from 1967–’71 had both tubular and monocoque chassis and were powered by the multi-valve, gear driven, four cylinder, fuel-injected, 1,600-cc Cosworth FVA engine, which originally produced 218 bhp. These engines now produce 250 bhp. The FVA engine won every F2 championship from 1967–’71. F2 cars from 1972–’78 were a monocoque construction, powered by 4-cylinder, multi-valve, fuel-injected 2,000-cc Cosworth, Hart, BMW and Renault engines producing 300bhp.
Although all the series provided competitive racing, Formula Two always produced more technically advanced cars. F2 teams were often connected to an F1 team and, as a result, the many technical innovations such as aerodynamic aids and the slick-racing tire were immediately seen on the F2 car.
From these single-seater formulas, Formula Two in particular, came many a future world champion: Jack Brabham, Emerson Fittipaldi, Denny Hulme, Niki Lauda, Ronnie Peterson, Jochen Rindt, Keke Rosberg and Jackie Stewart.
Today there is a Monoposto Registry which keeps a watchful eye over these single-seater cars and the classes in which they race.
| Make | Model | Level III | Level II | Level I |
| Brabham | BT10 | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| BT16 | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 | |
| BT18 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| BT21 | $35,000 | $40,000 | $45,000 | |
| BT23C F2 | $70,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 | |
| BT29 FB | $40,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 | |
| BT30 F2 | $70,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 | |
| BT35 FB/FA | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| BT36 F2 | $70,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 | |
| BT38/BT40 F2 | $40,000 | $45,000 | $55,000 | |
| Chevron | B15B | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| B17B | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
| B18 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| B20 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| B27/B29 FA | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| B34 FA | $35,000 | $40,000 | $45,000 | |
| B35 F2 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 | |
| B40 F2 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 | |
| Lola | T60/61/62 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| T100/102 | $35,000 | $45,000 | $55,000 | |
| T360 FA | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 | |
| T460 FA | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 | |
| Lotus | 32 | $40,000 | $45,000 | $50,000 |
| 41B | $35,000 | $40,000 | $45,000 | |
| 48 F2 | $50,000 | $60,000 | $70,000 | |
| 59B | $35,000 | $45,000 | $50,000 | |
| 69 FB | $40,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 | |
| 69 F2 | $70,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 | |
| March | 712 F2 | $55,000 | $65,000 | $75,000 |
| 722 F2 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 | |
| 762 F2 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 | |
| 772/782 F2 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 | |
| 75B/76B | $35,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
| 77B/78B | $35,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | |
| McLaren | M4 FB | $40,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 |
| M4 F2 | $50,000 | $60,000 | $75,000 | |
| Merlyn | Mk7/9 | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Ralt | RT1 Atlantic | $45,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Surtees | TS10 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| TS15 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 |
1966 Brabham BT18 Formula Two
For the last year of the 1,000-cc Formula Two, Ron Tauranc modified an existing design. His cars were very attractive, had a tubular chassis and outboard suspension. Although 46 BT18s were built, including Formula Three and B specifications, only six were works Formula Two cars. These F2 cars had slight advantages in frame design, were powered by the 4-cylinder 1,000-cc Honda engine, and had a Hewland Mark V, 5-speed gear box. They were immensely successful, capturing the F2 title for Jack Brabham, the same year he won the F1 title in his BT19. Brabham and his teammate, Denny Hulme, won 12 of 15 races and were 1st and 2nd six times. Brabham is the only man to win championships driving cars in F1 and F2 carrying his name.
1971 March 712 Formula Two
For the last year of 1,600-cc Formula 2, Robin Herd designed a monocoque chassis with the engine as a semi-stressed member. Quite advanced for the day, the radiator was front mounted, and suspension was outboard. Twenty F2 cars were built with a large rear and small front wing, as aerodynamic aids were now the rage. Usually powered by the 1,600-cc Cosworth FVA engine and mated to a five-speed, Hewland FT200 gear box, they were the class of the field with Ronnie Peterson winning six times and capturing the F2 title. This great design carried over to the 722, which won the English F2 title. Today there is a historic 1,600-cc F2 championship, which is hotly contested.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
