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Pre-bids

1987 Van Diemen Formula First

Highlights

  • 899cc Kawasaki ZX9 bike engine conversion producing 300bhp/ton
  • Chassis professionally refurbished and painted black
  • Passed scrutineering at all events during the 2025 season
  • Supplied with original MSA log book and history file with receipts
  • Spares package including slick and wet tyres, spare wishbones, discs and more

The Appeal

Van Diemen’s Formula First chassis bridges the gap between karting and more expensive categories like Formula Ford. That doesn’t mean the thrills are dialled down - with 300bhp/tonne on tap, this Kawasaki-engined Van Diemen is as exciting as it is engaging. 
As a low-cost introduction to circuit racing, these racers are hard to beat. This one has been used regularly during 2025 and we’re told that it always passed scrutineering. The engine is Kawasaki’s ZX9 899cc liquid cooled DOHC 4 stroke, 4cyl engine driving through a West Garage rear Cosworth limited-slip differential with chain drive, a combination the vendor reports has proven both reliable and effective. A full fluid service was carried out at the end of 2025 and it was recently fitted with new rear callipers and master cylinders. A bespoke exhaust with a titanium Kawasaki silencer keeps noise levels within limits for most track days.  The chassis was recently stripped, sand blasted and hot zinc primed before being repaiinted in black. 
It comes with the original MSA log book, a history file with receipts, and a generous package of spares. Ready to compete or enjoy on track, this is a well-sorted single-seater at an accessible level of the sport.
The vendor says: 
“Ready to sprint, hillclimb, race or track day immediately – season starts April. A quick, reliable and properly prepared single seater that offers excellent performance and value.”

Key Information

  • Mileage: not applicable (race car)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom (not road registered — competition use only)
  • Technical inspection status: not applicable; original MSA log book supplied
  • Technical specs: 900cc Kawasaki ZX9 engine, West Garage rear Cosworth LSD, chain drive, twin radiator cooling system
  • Paperwork: original MSA log book and history file with receipts
Included spares package: 
  • Full set of Avon soft slicks 
  • Wet tyres on Weller Formula Ford rims 
  • Additional soft tyres (some on rims) 
  • Spare wishbones, discs, chain and assorted parts

The Detail

  • Low-mileage 900cc Kawasaki ZX9 engine fitted
  • West Garage rear Cosworth limited-slip differential with chain drive
  • Twin radiator cooling system with electric fan
  • Full fluid service carried out at the end of 2025 using fully synthetic oil, fresh brake fluid and coolant
  • Recent new rear Formula Ford callipers with EBC pads
  • New brake master cylinders fitted
  • Bespoke exhaust with titanium Kawasaki silencer, suitable for most track day noise limits
  • Quick-release steering wheel fitted
  • HANS belts valid until 2027
  • The vendor reports suspension wishbones and plating are in very good condition
  • Cockpit suited to drivers up to approximately 6ft, 34" waist and 40" chest
  • Spares included as listed above 
DSC_0129.jpg 1.69 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions
We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1987
  • MakeRare and Unique
  • ModelRace Cars
  • ColourBlue
  • Engine size899cc
  • TransmissionManual
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownSudbury
  • CountySuffolk
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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