Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Competition Cars on Friday the 24th of July, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. Few categories of historic motorsport offer the accessibility, close competition and enduring appeal of Formula Ford. Since its introduction in 1967, the formula has produced generations of racing drivers, with names such as Senna, Hunt, Brabham, Scheckter and Prost all honing their skills in these wonderfully simple yet immensely rewarding single seaters. Among the most respected manufacturers of the era was Merlyn, whose beautifully engineered chassis became regular front-runners throughout the late 1960s and 1970s.
Offered here is an attractive Merlyn that competed in Historic Formula Ford during the early 2000s and is accompanied by HSCC papers originally identifying the car as a Mk20. It subsequently emerged that the chassis had been upgraded during its competition career to the closely related 1974 Mk25 specification. Externally the two models are virtually indistinguishable, however the later specification allows the car to compete in Classic Formula Ford in the UK whilst also remaining eligible for a number of historic racing series across Europe and beyond.
The car has benefited from restoration and, since completion, has seen only limited use, participating in a small number of speed events and hill climbs. During the restoration it was also completely rewired and today presents as a smart and well-prepared example.
Power comes from a strong IES-built Ford Kent engine driving through the desirable Hewland Mk8 gearbox, a tried and tested Formula Ford combination renowned for its reliability, performance and ease of maintenance.
Our vendor purchased the Merlyn from Paul Matty Sports Cars in 2019, principally to form part of the display within their beautifully restored Leyland Leopard historic race transporter. Despite its display role, the car has continued to be exercised at various events over the past five years to ensure it remains in good mechanical order.
Accompanying the car is a comprehensive history file containing HSCC documentation, FIA Historic Technical Papers, which expired in 2009, together with numerous period race results and supporting documentation charting the car's competition history. Also included is correspondence and paperwork relating to its purchase by our vendor from Paul Matty Sports Cars, along with a useful selection of spare parts.
Presenting an excellent opportunity to enter one of historic motorsport's most enjoyable and accessible categories, this well-prepared Merlyn offers competitive mechanical specification, broad eligibility and an impressive history file. As with any competition car, interested parties should satisfy themselves as to current competition eligibility and the validity of all safety equipment prior to use.
