Description
The origins of this Merlyn trace back to the innovative spirit of Colchester Racing Developments Ltd., a small British workshop that launched a sports prototype chassis onto the automotive scene in 1964: the Merlyn Mk4A. The example we are offering for sale bears chassis number 36RS and was directly exported to the United States, where it competed in the SCCA championship on the west coast. Bud Kemp is mentioned as the first owner – a detail that reflects the era of those private drivers who defined the sixties through their talent, expertise and passion. The car subsequently disappeared from the scene, only to resurface in 2010 as a genuine "barn find".
The Merlyn was repatriated to the United Kingdom by Richard Taylor, a renowned specialist in classic cars at Autotune Rishton. The first step involved re-equipping the chassis with aeronautical-grade aluminium panels – a decision combining precision and authenticity. Its identity was confirmed by Clive Hayward, owner of Colchester Racing Developments. The bodywork, restored to its original specifications, along with the steering, wishbones and other chassis components also came from this company. Sold as a partially restored project, a British racing driver ultimately enabled the Mk4A to compete in historic racing. Later – as part of the 2024 overhaul carried out by Michael and Andrew Hibberd – the structural and mechanical issues identified were rectified without compromise: the roll cage, steering geometry, brakes, engine components, as well as the assembly of the pedal box and steering.
At the heart of the car sits a period Lotus-Ford Twin-Cam engine with a displacement of 1. 6 litres. It was completely rebuilt at Craig Beck Racing (Suffolk): crankshaft, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, oil pump and auxiliary components – all brand new, as evidenced by invoices totalling £17, 000. On the dyno, it produces 180 bhp. Since then, the engine has accumulated around ten hours of track time – just enough to fully come into its own. A five-speed Hewland gearbox reconditioned by Racing Transmissions transmits power to the rear wheels. It is fascinating to observe how this Twin-Cam delivers its power smoothly at mid-range, with liveliness and responsiveness at high revs, and with that sharp, clear exhaust note that makes driving experiences so addictive.
Its return to competition took place in 2016 at Goodwood Revival, in the Madgwick Cup, where it secured 13th place. A race contested in torrential rain, where precision and excellent car control are essential. Subsequently, the car was sold to a collector near Munich, who used the Merlyn exclusively for track days – both smooth and spirited driving. In December 2023, the Mk4A returned to the United Kingdom to compete in the HSCC Guards Trophy, driven by its new owner and Andrew Hibberd. In the final at Silverstone, the car held its own against a leading Lotus 23B – a fine demonstration of its capabilities. In 2025, the Merlyn made four further appearances at the Guards Trophy and again competed in the Madgwick Trophy at Goodwood Revival 2025.
This Merlyn Mk4A comes with a complete history file and is accompanied by an FIA HTP in the "Two-seater Racing Car" category (TSRC10) – Period F 1961-1965. The car is 100% competition-ready and eligible for numerous events, including the HSCC Guards Trophy, Goodwood Revival and Members Meeting, the Masters and Peter Auto Sports Racing Series, the HSCC Twin-Cam Cup and the Iberian Historic Endurance racing series. All EU import duties have been paid and numerous spare parts are included.
Will you be brave enough to take this ultra-quick, lightweight racing car onto circuit in a historic championship next season?
