1967-Crossle-12F Formula B Racecar

Description

1967 Crossle 12F Formula B Racecar
s/n C12/F67/32
Blue Racing Livery

This Crossle 12/F Formula B racing car, serial number 12/F 67/32, was one of 8 such cars built by Crossle in Holywood, Northern Ireland to compete in the US SCCA Formula B race series. This series was very similar to European Formula 2 at the time and was very popular with both American and European competitors. The car was originally sold to the US importer, Bruce Klussman, who ran it in a handful of races in 1967. It was then purchased by Roger Barr in late 1967 and raced by him very successfully, including winning the SCCA Formula B National Championship in 1968. Roger modified the car in 1969 with wings and wider wheels when these were allowed. He continued to have success with the car before selling it on to Jim Lloyd of Indianapolis, Indiana in 1971. Lloyd raced the car in the SCCA Central Division through 1975, but then sold it to Dave Schneider in San Diego, California in 1976.

Being a cam grinder and engine builder, Dave Schneider was not interested in racing the car until he could run his own engine in it. The car was stored in the rafters of Schneider’s camshaft grinding shop until Dave could find time to work on it. As a college student in the mid- 70’s, the current owner used to look at it and dream of owning a car like that some day. It was still in the rafters when I was finally able to buy it from him in 1998. The Crossle factory in Holywood, N. Ireland is still in business building Formula Fords and Sports Racers today and was very excited to find the car was being restored. Crossle even provided parts to assist with the restoration, some 40 years after they originally built the car! Roger Barr was also able to provide the original oil tank and exhaust headers which he had removed from the car and stored since the late ‘60s. Roger’s original rear wing from 1969 is included with the car, as is the original roll hoop with the SCCA number stamping, original magnesium wheels, and the original fuel tank.

A complete, no expense spared restoration by world renowned expert Rob Shanahan of Shanahan Specialty Works:

Frame—Stripped, restored to updated 14F configuration, inspected for straightness, and epoxy painted. New 4130 chro-moly steel rollover bar and brace fitted.
Suspension—Stripped, magnafluxed or Zygloed to check for cracks, then electroless-nickel plated. All rod ends and hub bearings replaced. The original Armstrong shocks were updated and rebuilt by CMW Enterprises.
Brakes—All master cylinders replaced with new, all calipers rebuilt. All new steel and braided steel brake lines.
Wheels—All new magnesium wheels from Lee Chapman Racing. The original 13” x 10”cast magnesium wheel s are included with the car.
Transaxle—The original, limited-slip, Hewland Mk5 is still in the car. The box was rebuilt completely, including a new ring and pinion.
Engine—The engine is fresh with only dyno and testing time. Steel main caps, ARP fasteners, Farndon steel crankshaft, Crower rods, JE pistons, Tilton clutch. Dynoed by Bill Schlossnagel, it produced 175 hp at 7500 rpm with a very broad torque band.
Body—The fiberglass bodywork was completly stripped, repaired, fitted, and painted with catalyzed enamel. A new windscreen was made, and the mold plus a spare windscreen are included with the car. All instruments were restored and calibrated by Moma.
Safety—SPA onboard fire system installed. New custom Fuel Safe fuel cell made and installed. The original fuel tank is included with the car.

The car has been tested and sorted since the restoration was completed. New Avon 8.2”X10.5” tires have been mounted, and the car can be described as race ready at this time.

With the car comes documentation to include original sales brochure, factory specifications, period racing photos, and set up data. FIA papers have been applied for and are in process. Extras include a Plexiglas windshield and mould, two spare wheels, original roll bar hoop (bearing SCCA number 11018) and front and rear wings used during the 1969 season. The Crossle factory is still supplying spare parts making this a user-friendly vintage racer for the entry level driver or experienced racer alike! Indeed, the restoration alone could not be duplicated for the asking price, and the 1968 SCCA National Championship victory makes this an attractive example from a historical perspective as well.