Description

1967 Formosa GR120

Looking very much like a 1950's race car this shouts evocation but on a more affordable budget with proven Triumph Vitesse underpinnings

Is it a 1950's Targa Florio race car we hear you cry?!  Nope, but it would no doubt fool many, especially if you see and hear it on the move as some did when it was delivered on site.

Created through a passion for 1950's competition cars with the help of a well regarded former Sun Seeker fibreglass specialist with a background in hot rods and kit cars Formosa evolved.  Creating rather pretty GRP body shells with various design options such as a short nose, single or double head rests bonnet scoops, RHD or LHD the shells are designed to fit onto a standard Triumph Herald, or Vitesse chassis utilising much of the running gear and suspension componentry along with the fruity and proven 2.0 straight six giving off the intoxicating roar you could easily mistake for something far more powerful and exotic.

This pretty GR120 model is, as you've no doubt noticed, finished in red (the preferred choice by Formosa) with attractive wire wheels, contrasting interior of black bucket seats and features the single head rest, bonnet bulge and external door hinges with single rear exhaust giving an almost authentic racer look and feel.  Inside we find a timber rimmed steering wheel, simple gauges, battery isolator and 4-speed manual 'box.

Starting well with a dose of choke the GR120 sounds much greater than the sum of its underpinnings, moving round with ease and aplomb, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre given the neat cockpit and excellent visibility afforded by the low windscreen and no roof.  At the rear we find a usabe and lockable boot space and front hinged bonnet clam providing excellent access for any pit stop work required.

Dating from July 1967 on the V5C as a result of its donor, it is of course both tax and MOT free and as such a cheap classic to run.  In the history file, in addition to the V5 showing 7 previous owners (we assume these relate to the donor vehicle) there is a current MOT valid until April 2022 with no advisories recorded showing 63,097 miles at the time of test, VOSA MOT history print-out, HPI report (clear) and invoice for MOT.

Undoubtedly lots of fun, whether its used for pub runs on a summer's day, classic car club rallies or just something for a weekend blast, it looks super and sounds even better - we all really rather liked it, and at that estimate, its a fraction of the price of a real 1950's racer!

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com