1972 Valour Formula Ford

The Valour Formula Ford Type 723 was produced in Hamilton, New Zealand by a company called Auto Research. It was New Zealand’s first racing car production line. 12 Valour Formula Fords were manufactured. Auto Research also produced 14 Formula Vees and 1 Formula Junior and ran the New Zealand Driving School.

The chassis design and suspension design was designed by Trevor Larsen and based on the Titan Formula Ford. The body was built by Trevor Larsen and John Hyde (directors of Auto Research Ltd) with a distinctive hammerhead shark nose cone and radiators mounted at the sides of the car. The hammerhead nose was subsequently banned as it was considered to be a down force aid. The cars were available in three forms; in kit form costing $960 without engine, as a rolling chassis for $3300 or ready to race for $5200.

This car was purchased as components from the factory by Ian Simcox in New Zealand. The car was later owned by John Hyde, one of the owners of Valour Cars. After disappearing for many years, in 1999 the car was found in a dilapidated state in a garden. A full restoration followed and was completed in December 2001. It was later shipped to Sydney.

The Valour Formula Ford is now owned and driven by Craig Smith.

Simcox car when it was part of the New Zealand Drivers School

One of the works Valour 723 Formula Fords