Three-quarters front view of a Silver, 1960, Hillwood Formula Junior, on sale in the Iconic Auction, at the 2023 Silverstone Festival
Image details
Contributor:
John Gaffen / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2WKR84BFile size:
60.2 MB (2.1 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5616 x 3744 px | 47.5 x 31.7 cm | 18.7 x 12.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
26 August 2023Location:
Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TNMore information:
mmerse yourself in the captivating history of the Hillwood-Fiat Formula Junior, a true gem from the golden era of motorsport. This extraordinary vehicle was the brainchild of Norman Hillwood, a skilled jeweller from Edgware, London, who ventured into the world of racing and engineering in the 1950s. In 1959, he unveiled the innovative Hillwood-Fiat front-engined FJ, a masterpiece powered by a 1, 089cc Fiat engine. The car's intricate chassis was designed by Brian Urlwin, and its exquisite aluminium coachwork was crafted by Maurice 'Mo' Gomm. The Hillwood-Fiat made its mark on the racing scene, driven by the talented Norman Hillwood and the esteemed John Anstice-Brown, showcasing its prowess in several events throughout 1960 and 1961. From the Brands Hatch Easter Trophy to the Silverstone Peterborough MC, this remarkable car left its tyre tracks etched in motorsport history. By 1962, the game had changed slightly, with most FJ cars transitioning to a rear-engine configuration meaning that front-engined cars were becoming less than competitive. Not the case in America, however, and when offered for sale, the Hillwood found a new home in the United States when an American Navy serviceman acquired it and took it on a voyage across the Pacific. However, the plot thickened when faced with a substantial tariff to get the car out of the country. Determined to avoid this burden, the owner decided to dismantle the car and cleverly declared it as car parts. A twist of fate followed, as the plane carrying the engine, chassis, and running gear vanished somewhere in the Pacific, never to be found. The body shell and other precious aluminium components did safely make it to the US, starting the next chapter in the Hillwood-Fiat's adventure. Fortunately, this tale takes a turn for the better. After changing hands several times, the car eventually made its way back to the UK in 2009, where it was lovingly restored to its former glory by a dedicated FJ owner, builder, and driver.