From 1964 to 1978, a series of flat-bottomed, formula cars were manufactured to serve as a stepping stone to Formula One and the upper echelons of open-wheeled racing. In the late ’50s, F2 and F3 were consolidated into Formula Junior. However, with that category’s demise at the end of 1963, F2 was reformed, utilizing highly developed 1,000-cc, fuel-injected engines until 1966. From 1967 to 1971, racecars manufactured for F2 were equipped with a more powerful gear-driven Cosworth FVA engine, while in the United States many of the same chassis were being outfitted with Lotus twin-cam engines for what was known as FB. By 1972, F2 graduated to 2-liter displacement, with engines being manufactured by firms such as Cosworth, Hart and BMW. During this same period, Formula Atlantic replaced FB, both in the United States and overseas, with similar chassis to the F2 cars, but running the 1,600-cc Cosworth BDA or BDD engine.

            Though various models were sold in both F2 and Atlantic form, the F2 cars today command a much higher value due to their more sophisticated and expensive engines. The value of these F2 variants is also bolstered by the fact that they were usually driven by some of the greatest, current or up-and-coming F1 drivers of the day, names such as Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, Nike Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi and the like.

1967 Lotus 48 Formula 2

1967 brought about the beginning of the 1600-cc F2 period. For this new formula, Colin Chapman turned up with the Type 48. It looked similar to the Formula One car, having a full monocoque chassis, but with a tubular subframe for the fuel-injected Cosworth 1600 FVA engine and Hewland 5-speed gearbox. Jim Clark managed three victories and Graham Hill two 2^nd place finishes against the onslaught of Brabhams, a few Ferrari Dino 166’s and McLaren M4A’s. The Type 48 was raced again in 1968 and looked resplendent in the Gold Leaf team colors. Sadly, at Hockenheim in April, Jim Clark was killed in a high speed crash while driving one.

1971 March 712 Formula 2

For the last year of 1600cc 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 1600cc Cosworth FVA engine and mated to a 5-speed to a Hewland FT200 gearbox. 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 1600cc 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.