1968 Titan Mk3 Formula B
The Titan Mk3 was a spaceframe Formula 3 car designed by Roy Thomas and built by Charles Lucas Engineering as one of two factory-constructed works entries for the 1968 season. Allocated to works driver Roy Pike, chassis #3 (later re-plated #68318) scored four outright victories that year, including wins at Brands Hatch, the Grand Prix de Pau, and the Coupe de l'Avenir at Zolder. After decades of SCCA racing in the United States, the car returned to the UK in 2020 and retains its American-specification drivetrain.
Ownership
- 2025-02-22Auction saleSold £19,500 (≈ $24K)
- 1968 →Factory deliveryCharles Lucas Engineering (works team)full documentation
One of two factory-built works cars, allocated to Roy Pike for the 1968 season. Chassis originally numbered #3 (#6833), re-plated #68318 after a rebuild at the close of the season; a letter from the works confirms the original identity.
- 2012 →Private saleChris Gruysfull documentation
Undertook a thorough recommissioning programme before racing the car at several events in the USA; subsequently shipped it back to the UK in 2020.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRonald Householderpartial documentation
Based in Oregon, USA; ran the car in SCCA Formula C competition for several years before having it converted to Formula B specification.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDennis Howellpartial documentation
Competition
- 1968MCD Lombank British Formula 3 ChampionshipMCD Lombank British Formula 3 Championship — final standingsDriver: Roy Pike8th in championship
Multiple top-ten finishes across the season contributed to eighth place overall in a field that included eight future Formula 1 drivers.
- 1968-04-01MCD Lombank British Formula 3 ChampionshipRound 5, MCD Lombank British Formula 3 Championship — Brands Hatch Grand Prix CircuitDriver: Roy Pike1st (also pole and fastest lap)
Dominant victory on the full Grand Prix layout at Brands Hatch, mid-April 1968.
- 1968-04-21XXVIII Grand Prix de PauDriver: Roy Pike1st
Victory one week after the Brands Hatch win; held in Pau, France.
- 1968-05-01MCD Lombank British Formula 3 ChampionshipRound 8, MCD Lombank British Formula 3 Championship — Brands Hatch Short CircuitDriver: Roy Pike1st
Victory on the infield short circuit at Brands Hatch, mid-May 1968.
- 1968-09-15IV Coupe de l'Avenir — ZolderDriver: Roy Pike1st
Final win of the 1968 season, contested against a large contingent of European Formula 3 competitors.
- 20122012 LSR Charity Event — Laguna Seca
One of several US historic events entered after recommissioning by Chris Gruys.
- 20152015 David Love Memorial — Sonoma Raceway
- 20152015 Thunderhill Titan Reunion
- 2020Donington Park shake-down test
Post-repatriation test following shipment back to the UK; described as successful.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1968RestorationCharles Lucas Engineering
The works car was substantially rebuilt at the conclusion of the 1968 season and re-plated with a new chassis number (#68318), though documentation confirms continuity with the original chassis #3.
- 2012Mechanical
Comprehensive recommissioning prior to returning to competition: new master cylinders, resealed brake calipers, skimmed discs, gearbox rebuilt with fresh bearings and dog rings, new Tilton clutch, and various safety upgrades including a bag fuel tank.
Work carried out by or on behalf of Chris Gruys before the 2012 racing season.
- 2015Engine rebuildIvey Engines
Full engine rebuild following an oil-pressure problem identified during the season.
Workshop located in Portland, Oregon.
- —Modification
Car converted from SCCA Formula C (up to 1,100cc) to Formula B specification, receiving a Lotus Twin-Cam engine mated to a Hewland MK5/6 transaxle in high-torque configuration.
Conversion carried out by Ralph Ormsbee while the car was in US ownership under Ronald Householder.
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