Famous Formula Ford raced by F1 champions Fittipaldi and Scheckter set to return to action

A famous Formula Ford raced by future Formula 1 champions Emerson Fittipaldi and Jody Scheckter is set to return to action for the first time in over 30 years.

Fittipaldi piloted the Merlyn Mk11A in 1969 and won three races, before Colin Vandervell – son of Vanwall F1 team founder Tony – enjoyed title success the following year. 

Scheckter and tin-top star Frank Sytner also subsequently raced the car, nicknamed Magic Merlyn. 

Scheckter bought the car back in 1997 and it remained with the South African until he decided to sell his collection of machines last year. 

The Merlyn was then bought by former successful bike competitor Greville Ball, who plans to make his car racing debut in Historic FF1600 this year.

Ball had originally been planning a move into Formula Junior but was unable to locate a suitable car. 

“I found, to get something with some history, it was quite expensive and they’re more expensive to run,” Ball told Autosport. 

“In that time, I came across Historic Formula Ford and I started looking at those. They’re still a cigar-shaped car and I love that look.

“This Magic Merlyn came up at auction and I knew it was going to be a lot of money, but I knew if I was going to have a Historic Formula Ford with a lot of history this is the one to have! So I was a bit naughty, dug deep and ended up winning the auction!”

With advice from Peter Alexander of PA Motorsport and Historic FF1600 prime mover Chris Sharples, among others, Ball has begun preparing the car and has had the engine and gearbox rebuilt.

“Most people have said that’s the right thing for it to be out and about being raced,” added Ball. “I think it’s good to be out and be seen. For me, it’s all about the history of the car. 

“The plan is to have it back and assembled because the HSCC want it on their stand at Race Retro [from 21-23 February].”

He then intends to give the Merlyn a shakedown on a trackday at Mallory Park in March, all building towards the Historic FF1600 season opener at Snetterton the following month. 

Despite his previous title-winning bike racing experience, Ball has not set any expectations for his switch to cars and instead just wants to enjoy the experience.