1960 Hillwood Formula Junior
The Hillwood-Fiat Formula Junior is a front-engined single-seater racing car built in 1959 by Norman Hillwood, a London jeweller turned constructor. Its chassis was designed by Brian Urlwin and the aluminium bodywork fashioned by Maurice 'Mo' Gomm, with a 1,089cc Fiat engine. Raced by Hillwood and John Anstice-Brown in 1960–61, the car later crossed to the United States but suffered the loss of its mechanical components in transit. After returning to the UK in 2009, it was comprehensively restored to its original racing specification and has since competed successfully in historic Formula Junior events, winning the Class A front-engined championship in 2018.
Ownership
- 2023-08-25Auction saleEstimate £35,000 – £45,000
- 1959 → 1962Factory deliveryNorman Hillwoodpartial documentation
Hillwood built and raced the car himself, competing at various British circuits in 1960 and 1961. He later offered it for sale as front-engined Formula Junior became less competitive.
- 1962 →Private saleAmerican Navy servicemanpartial documentation
Transported the car to the United States via the Pacific; to avoid import tariffs, the mechanical components were separated from the body and shipped as parts, but the engine, chassis, and running gear were lost in transit.
- → 2009Multiple unspecified US ownersnone documentation
The bodyshell and surviving aluminium components changed hands several times in the US before eventually returning to the UK.
- 2009 →Private saleUK-based Formula Junior owner, builder, and driverpartial documentation
Undertook a full restoration of the car with assistance from Hillwood and Urlwin, returning it to its original raced specification. This owner appears to be the current vendor.
Competition
- 2018Formula JuniorFormula Junior Class A Front-Engined Championship1st (class championship winner)
- 2021Formula JuniorMallory Park (class lap record)Class lap record — 56.71 seconds
Set the modern-era class lap record for front-engined Formula Junior at this circuit.
- 2023Formula Junior2023 Goodwood Members Meeting Threlfall Cup3rd overall; fastest Fiat-engined car
First Fiat-powered car to finish; recorded the fastest lap among all eight Fiat-engined entries at 1:33.14.
- —Formula JuniorBrands Hatch Easter TrophyDriver: Norman Hillwood
One of several events contested during 1960 and 1961; John Anstice-Brown also drove the car in this period.
- —Formula JuniorSilverstone Peterborough MCDriver: Norman Hillwood
Among the events in which Hillwood and Anstice-Brown demonstrated the car during its active racing years.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2009Restoration
Full restoration to original racing specification carried out after the car's return to the UK, with technical input from original constructor Norman Hillwood and chassis designer Brian Urlwin to ensure historical accuracy.
Undertaken by the acquiring UK-based Formula Junior specialist who also drives the car.
- —Engine rebuildSetford Engineering
Engine rebuilt to current FIA standards; a Historical Technical Passport valid to end of 2028 was issued following the work.
- —Mechanical
Brakes, gearbox, and rear axle were rebuilt; half-shafts were upgraded and a new electrically operated plumbed-in fire suppression system was fitted.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.