Merlyn (1960 to 1979)

The Merlyn race cars, manufactured globally by Colchester Racing Developments between 1960 and 1979, earned a legendary reputation in the junior formulae, most notably through their absolute dominance in the early years of Formula Ford. Founded by Selwyn Hayward and John Barrington Lewis, the firm produced a versatile range of chassis—from the mid-engined Mk3 Formula Junior to the championship-winning Mk11/11A—which served as the training ground for future Formula 1 World Champions like Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, and Jody Scheckter. In the 2026 Australian market, the Merlyn remains a high-priority acquisition within the historic motorsport community, as its predictable handling and robust space-frame design make it an ideal entry point for the competitive Historic Formula Ford (Fa/Fb) categories. The buyer pool in Australia is comprised of dedicated vintage racers and engineering enthusiasts who frequent iconic circuits such as Phillip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park for state and national historic meets. Locally, market value has remained remarkably resilient for cars with a documented, continuous racing pedigree and a current MA (Motorsport Australia) Log Book, as 2026 buyers are prioritising examples that have been meticulously maintained by specialists like Stuttgart Shop, Larner Motorsport, or Anglo Australian Motorsport to ensure the integrity of the Hewland transaxle and Ford Kent 1600 engine. For the Australian aficionado, a Merlyn is more than just a piece of nostalgia; it is a proven "weapon of choice" that continues to deliver podium results while honouring the golden era of open-wheel racing.

The Merlyn race cars, manufactured globally by Colchester Racing Developments between 1960 and 1979, earned a legendary reputation in the junior formulae, most notably through their absolute dominance in the early years of Formula Ford. Founded by Selwyn Hayward and John Barrington Lewis, the firm produced a versatile range of chassis—from the mid-engined Mk3 Formula Junior to the championship-winning Mk11/11A—which served as the training ground for future Formula 1 World Champions like Emerson … Read more