The First Elfin "Works" 1500 Chassis No. 625 Driver Frank Matich

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1 The First Elfin "Works" 1500 Chassis No. 625 Driver Frank Matich In Late 1962 Garrie Cooper sent a number of Elfin products to the Sydney Motor show to display what the South Australian manufacturer was producing at that time. On the stand were 2 Formula Juniors, one with the normal 1100cc engine the other with 1475cc, a Clubman and a rolling chassis with gearbox fitted. At the conclusion of the Motor Show, Elfin invited all the leading drivers to Warwick Farm to test the 3 cars. The Elfin stand Sydney Motor Show later September 1962 SCW On the Test day quite a few of the leading drivers of the time turned up to sample what Elfin had produced. These included Johnny Martin, David McKay, Alan Ferguson, Charlie Smith, Doug Kelly, Bruce Polain, Arnold Glass, Peter Williamson and of course Frank Matich and others. In the end Garrie Cooper saw that Matich had got the most out of the cars that day and asked him to be their agent for NSW and to use the cars in competition to further expose Elfin to the wider racing fraternity.

Elfin FJ 625 becomes the "Works" 1500 Driver Frank Matich After the test day, Garrie left 625 (now fitted with the 1500 engine) in Matich's care to run in the Hordern Trophy race in mid October.

Apparently Frank had a few tricks he wanted to try in the other chassis and Garrie took it back to Adelaide to incorporate them.

2 Elfin FJ 625 becomes the "Works" 1500 Driver Frank Matich After the test day, Garrie left 625 (now fitted with the 1500 engine) in Matich's care to run in the Hordern Trophy race in mid October. 627 returned with Garrie to the factory to have modifications made to it at Matich's suggestion. Apparently Frank had a few tricks he wanted to try in the other chassis and Garrie took it back to Adelaide to incorporate them. 627 then, was to return just in time to NSW for the important Australian Formula Junior Championship meeting at Catalina on the 28 th October, but that is another story. It is interesting to note that 727 was the chassis Frank kept, so he must have been happy with his suggested modifications The Hordern Trophy Meeting 14 th October 1962 This very first Elfin "Works" entry was at Warwick Farm for the prestigious Hordern Trophy Race. This was held on the 14 th October The green Elfin in Frank's hands was untouchable in its class, and gave the big boys with large capacity Climax engined cars a really hard time. Frank recalls the race in his own column for Sports Car World. Go to 200% zoom to read the Programme The photo shown on the cover of the programme is interesting in that the Lotus 20 shown just right of centre is of Leo Geoghegan in his 3 rd drive of that car 20-J-908. Interesting because this Lotus is now the stable mate of Elfin 625. The Lotus finished a fine 5 th outright in 1961, but in 2008 now resides in the UK. The programme details left were kindly given to me by John Ellacott, who also took some wonderful photos at this meeting. This photo below is taken moments after the start of the race and Matich gets the Elfin away for an instant ahead of the larger capacity cars...from Matich's Column

Above a photo by Paul Cross moments before the flag dropped

for Sports Car World from November 1962, which coincided

Many great stories were to follow from this column, which

3 Above a photo by Paul Cross moments before the flag dropped Below photo from John Ellacott Matich was a resident writer for Sports Car World from November 1962, which coincided nicely with his "works" drive of the Elfin's. Many great stories were to follow from this column, which would otherwise never have been told. And of course, it Elfin no harm either.

Matich through Homestead corner John Ellacott photo.

This time the 1500 was overshadowed in its performance by its smaller capacity sister car, which beat the best from Brabham and Lotus to record a remarkable win.

Lotus 19, which was usually way in front of its competition.

The first was the 8 lap Gearins Hotel Racing and Sports up to 1500cc race, the 1500 won this race setting a new lap record of 1:01.0 on the way.

4 Matich through Homestead corner John Ellacott photo. Catalina 28 th October 1962 The next meeting for Frank and his Works 1500 mount, was to be at Catalina for the running of the Australian Formula Junior Championship. This time the 1500 was overshadowed in its performance by its smaller capacity sister car, which beat the best from Brabham and Lotus to record a remarkable win. The 1500 was one of 4 cars that Frank took to this meeting, the other 3 were the Junior as mentioned, the Clubman also a "works" car and of course Frank's famous Lotus 19, which was usually way in front of its competition. This excerpt from Mike Cable's column probably sums up Frank's performance The 1500 this day was part of 2 events. The first was the 8 lap Gearins Hotel Racing and Sports up to 1500cc race, the 1500 won this race setting a new lap record of 1:01.0 on the way. Interestingly, Charlie Smith was also in this race in his Lotus 11 and he also set a new lap record for his class with a 1:05.0 Charlie as we shall see was shortly to become the first owner of 625. In the next event that the 1500 competed, Frank said he obliged Leo Geoghegan's need for a class win for his sponsor, however Frank again lowered his lap record from the previous race to an incredible 1:00.1 News A description of these 2 races from Racing Car

Because the Formula Junior won the Championship race, it

However Racing Car News in the top left hand corner of

trailing Leo Geoghegan on the run up to Craven A.

5 Because the Formula Junior won the Championship race, it was mostly featured in any photos taken this day. However Racing Car News in the top left hand corner of the front page did carry the following photo of Matich trailing Leo Geoghegan on the run up to Craven A. And another photo of the 1500 below The photo below was taken by Noel Conlon

Another great shot of the 1500 being wheeled into its resting place beside the Clubman again by Noel Conlon, note the Total sticker on the car's side has been taped over.

This scratch is the key to the identity of the car as the 1500 and not the Formula Junior from some other photos taken around this time at Matich's garage.

6 Another great shot of the 1500 being wheeled into its resting place beside the Clubman again by Noel Conlon, note the Total sticker on the car's side has been taped over. This particular photo is of great importance to the identity of 625 today. Note a small scratch on the left spoke of the steering wheel. This scratch is the key to the identity of the car as the 1500 and not the Formula Junior from some other photos taken around this time at Matich's garage. The car with this scratch on the steering wheel in these other photos has certain fingerprint type features on photos of the body off chassis that can still be seen on 625 today. Note the scratch on the steering wheel left hand spoke. And so Matich's time with 625 comes to an end. Probably because 627 did so well in winning the Formula Junior Championship race, and Frank had had some input into modifications made to

the car after it returned to SA after the Test day, 627 was the car he kept. 625 was sold to Charlie Smith, who recalls paying for it to Matich.

It was green as it had been for both its outings in Frank's hands. Charlie Smith is the New Owner and 625 becomes a Formula Junior The Blue Mountains Trophy for Racing Cars meeting.

One of the best coverages of the race was this report by Australian Motor Sports March 1963.

7 the car after it returned to SA after the Test day, 627 was the car he kept. 625 was sold to Charlie Smith, who recalls paying for it to Matich. #625 was sold to Charlie as a Formula Junior but with a crankshaft and rods to convert it to 1475cc anytime Charlie wanted to go that way. It was green as it had been for both its outings in Frank's hands. Charlie Smith is the New Owner and 625 becomes a Formula Junior The Blue Mountains Trophy for Racing Cars meeting. 28 th January now as a Formula Junior driven by Charlie Smith competes against what was the Formula Junior 627 but now with a 1500 in the same race. One of the best coverages of the race was this report by Australian Motor Sports March Smith competes in an open wheeler in the 20 lap Under 1500 Feature event for Racing Cars at Catalina early '63 and is taken out by Cusack whilst running 6 th. In an earlier event, his first ever in an open wheeler, Charlie was hit by Alan Ferguson in an Elfin Peugeot causing Charlie to finish at a reduced pace with upset steering geometry. Ref AMS Mar 63 RCN Mar 63

Charlie Smith competes in the FJ support race. Charlie Smith finishes 4 th in the FJ race support race, behind L.Geoghegan Lotus 22, F.Gardner Repco Brabham and G.Cusack Elfin.

8 Below is a youngish looking Charlie Smith entering the Catalina circuit for his first drive in an open-wheeler. photographer unknown The Australian Grand Prix Meeting 10 th February1963 Warwick Farm Charlie Smith competes in the FJ support race. Charlie Smith finishes 4 th in the FJ race support race, behind L.Geoghegan Lotus 22, F.Gardner Repco Brabham and G.Cusack Elfin. Glynn Scott finished 5 th in a Lotus 20. Ref Wheels Apr 63, RCN Mar 63 and Charlie Smith Smith on his way to 4 th outright in the FJ support race Photo by John Ellacott

Charlie won the under 1500cc division of both the Bathurst 100 and the 4 lap support race. In the Bathurst 100 he finished outright 3rd behind 2 the Cooper Climax s of Lex Davison and Tony Shelley.

9 15 th April 1963 Mt Panorama Charlie Smith with #625 converted to 1500cc for the first time. Charlie Smith competes with the Elfin for the first time as a 1500 at the Easter 63 meeting where Charlie not only ran the Elfin but an Austin Freeway as well. Charlie won the under 1500cc division of both the Bathurst 100 and the 4 lap support race. In the Bathurst 100 he finished outright 3rd behind 2 the Cooper Climax s of Lex Davison and Tony Shelley. In the Bathurst Book, by John Medley, Smith's entry is written up as Matich having an interest in the car. Charlie Smith does not recall this. Unfortunately the magazine reports of the day did not show any photos of Smith at this meeting. A little unusual, as such a great result should have meant at least one photo. The magazines concentrated on showing the bigger engined cars. However a photo of Smith at this meeting was used on the cover of the next Catalina Race Meeting Program....ref Bathurst Cradle of Australian Motor Racing, SCW Jul 63, RCN May 63, Modern Motor Jun 63 The results of the Bathurst 100, Smith - Elfin Ford, is also recorded as 3rd in the Grand Prix Racing Facts and Figures by Monkhouse King-Farlow, as a F Libre race.. Above a John Ellacott photo of Smith heading up into the cutting late in the afternoon. The start of the Bathurst 100 with Smith hidden behind Davison Comment [eh1]: A fabulous photo taken by John Ellacott of Smith heading up into the Cutting late in the afternoon Modern Motor June 63

Below is Smith leading the way on the run up to Craven A SCW Jul 63 The Cover of the programme for the NSW Formula junior Championships showing Charlie Smith and the Elfin on his way to 3 rd outright

10 19 th May 1963 Catalina Charlie Smith wins the NSW Formula Junior Championship. The organizers must have had a premonition as they had put Smith on the front cover of the Programme for this day also advertising BP Energol. Below is Smith leading the way on the run up to Craven A SCW Jul 63 The Cover of the programme for the NSW Formula junior Championships showing Charlie Smith and the Elfin on his way to 3 rd outright in the Bathurst 100 Strangely this snippet from Australian Motor Sports and Automobile's "Spotlight" column appears in their May 63 edition. With the successes Charlie Smith was to have with the Elfin after this one has to wonder where they got their information from to put this in print. But then to extract maximum value for a race car there is no better time to sell it than when it is winning races.. The NSW Formula Junior Championship is reported as far away as the UK as this excerpt from Autosport reveals as supplied by Graham Howard

The Lotus 20 of Keith Wightley mentioned in the

11 Photographer unknown. Smith in 625 on the run up to Craven A corner The account of Smith's win is well recorded in the above extract from Racing Car News June 63. The Lotus 20 of Keith Wightley mentioned in the above extract is now the stable mate of the Elfin. Ref RCN Jun 63, AMS Jul 63, SCW Jul 63

2 nd June 1963 Warwick Farm RAC Trophy race meeting. 10 lap support race for Formula Junior and under 1500cc Racing Cars.

RCN writes it up as one of the best spins ever coming off the causeway!

Smith in 625 holding 2 nd spot leading Glyn Scott Lotus 20 and Greg Cusack Elfin 1500 at the end of Hume Straight just before Creek Corner.

12 2 nd June 1963 Warwick Farm RAC Trophy race meeting. 10 lap support race for Formula Junior and under 1500cc Racing Cars. Charlie Smith has a huge spin just after the causeway whilst lying 2 nd. RCN writes it up as one of the best spins ever coming off the causeway! Charlie ends up behind the flag marshal s post at Polo and DNF's ref RCN Jul 63, AMS Jul 63 Another fabulous John Ellacott photo. Smith in 625 holding 2 nd spot leading Glyn Scott Lotus 20 and Greg Cusack Elfin 1500 at the end of Hume Straight just before Creek Corner. 9 th June 1963 Hume Weir Charlie Smith has bad crash at Hume Weir in practice ends up against a tree locked together with a Cooper of Tom Wilson. Charlie ends up in hospital. A discussion with Charlie tells of him being thrown out of the car so violently, that his shoes remained inside car extensively damaged. Ref Charlie Smith and RCN Jul 63 Aust Autosportsman Aug 63 4 th July 1963 Lakeside Charlie Smith wins Lakeside Trophy held over 15 laps for under 1500cc Racing cars. In an earlier race Smith came 4 th "nursing the favourite for the main race. Ref RCN Aug 63

The headline that appeared on the rear cover of the last "Fishwrapper" RCN Aug 63. And this is what RCN wrote about the event.

Charlie DNF's due front suspension droops after qualifying last. Ref RCN Sep 63 24 th August 1963 Catalina Smith finishes 4 th in the Formula Junior and under 1500cc Racings Cars.

Ref RCN Dec64 8 th September 1963 Warwick Farm Charlie Smith DNF's on last lap at Warwick Farm Australian Formula Junior Championship when lying 4 th there were 14 starters.

13 The headline that appeared on the rear cover of the last "Fishwrapper" RCN Aug 63. And this is what RCN wrote about the event. 4 th August 1963 Lowood The Qld FJ Title was to be over 15 laps, but was reduced to 10 as only 5 cars lined up for the event. Charlie DNF's due front suspension droops after qualifying last. Ref RCN Sep th August 1963 Catalina Smith finishes 4 th in the Formula Junior and under 1500cc Racings Cars. The finishing order being Bob Holden S/c Lynx Peugeot, David Wheeler Brabham, and Kingley Hibbard Rennmax, then Smith with the 1475cc engine installed. Ref RCN Dec64 8 th September 1963 Warwick Farm Charlie Smith DNF's on last lap at Warwick Farm Australian Formula Junior Championship when lying 4 th there were 14 starters. The report below doesn't list Smith as DNF, however in the Australian Autosportsman report it does state Smith retires on the last lap. Ref Aus.Autosportsman Nov 63, AMS Nov 63 RCN Oct 63 Three more great photos of Smith in action at the 1963 Australian Formula Junior Championships. Unfortunately the photographer is unknown for the following 3 photos.

14 Smith chasing Lionel Ayers Smith just commencing a right turn. Note the camber on inside rear wheel.

10 th November 1963 Catalina Smith finishes 3 rd in FJ class and 4 th overall in 8 lap support event, Group A Racing Car event, with Bob Holden S/c lynx and David Walker Brabham FJ taking the first 2

He was just behind Glynn Scott's debut-ing Lotus 27 when a broken crankshaft saw him coast into the pits.

16 10 th November 1963 Catalina Smith finishes 3 rd in FJ class and 4 th overall in 8 lap support event, Group A Racing Car event, with Bob Holden S/c lynx and David Walker Brabham FJ taking the first 2 positions. Ref RCN Dec 63, AMS Jan th November 1963 Oran Park Smith DNF's after lying 2 nd in the 8 lapper for Group A Racing Cars. He was just behind Glynn Scott's debut-ing Lotus 27 when a broken crankshaft saw him coast into the pits. Ref AMS Jan 64 1 st December 1963 Warwick Farm Hordern Trophy race Smith pulls out after 13 laps broken crankshaft..ams or Water leaking past cylinders..scw had a commanding lead over the other 1500 cars and 7 th overall. Ref AMS Jan 64 SCW Feb 64 R th January 1964 Catalina Smith 3 rd in '64 Catalina Blue Mountains City Council Trophy Race over 20 laps. A quality field faced the starter including Cusack and Gardiner in Brabham's, Scott and Geoghegan in Lotus 27's Leo G went on to win with Holden in the supercharged Lynx Peugeot 2nd. An accident took out the 2 Brabhams whilst in the lead. In a support 4 lap event Charlie Smith comes in 4 th behind Cusack, Geoghegan and Walker (Brabham) Ref SCW Apr 64, Grand Prix Racing by Monkhouse King-Farlow, RCN Mar 64 9 th February 1964 Sandown Park Australian Grand Prix Smith runs in AGP at Sandown qualifies 20th pulls out on 6th lap bent valves Ref AGP the 50 year History book, SCW Apr 64 RCN Mar 64 M.M.4.64 Below are the starting grid positions for the AGP

17 The 1964 Australian GP report from the March issue of Racing Car News

16 th February 1964 Warwick Farm Smith runs in the Tasman round at Warwick Farm in the International 100.

64 DNF's with Smith was not to have a happy time of it with for the two Tasman Series races he contested.

creates a new Racing Team sponsored by BP and the following extract comes from Pit Patter 1 st March 1964 Oran Park Charlie Smith wins Group A Racing car

18 16 th February 1964 Warwick Farm Smith runs in the Tasman round at Warwick Farm in the International 100. mechanical woes, as all but 3 of the smaller engined cars did this day. SCW Apr 64. RCN Mar 64 M 4.64 DNF's with Smith was not to have a happy time of it with for the two Tasman Series races he contested. The article from Sports Car World from where the grid positions come states that Smith retired on lap 32 with oil pump failure Meanwhile Alex Mildren creates a new Racing Team sponsored by BP and the following extract comes from Pit Patter 1 st March 1964 Oran Park Charlie Smith wins Group A Racing car event at Oran Park, spectators. Smith and Peter Williamson's supercharged Rennmax Ford had a mighty tussle with Smith leading all the way. Rogers and Milburn in Lotus 20's came 3 rd and 4 th. In the next race a 12 lap Anniversary Racing Car race, Smith DNF s with engine trouble whilst in the lead.

Aus Autosportsman Apr 64 RCN Apr 64 Pit Patter in Racing Car News.."By the time you read this a number of cars will have changed Charlie Smith has traded the Elfin on Alex Mildren's Lotus 23.

19 Aus Autosportsman Apr 64 RCN Apr 64 Pit Patter in Racing Car News.."By the time you read this a number of cars will have changed Charlie Smith has traded the Elfin on Alex Mildren's Lotus 23.. RCN Apr 64 hands. This excerpt occurs in the middle column 2 nd paragraph from the bottom. It is worth reading also the first paragraph at the top of the 3 rd column!! Ralph Sach 30 th March 1964 Mt Panorama Easter 64 Ralph Sach drives the Smith car but as an 1100cc Junior at Bathurst. Finishes 3 rd in class both races (8th out of 21 starters in the first race and 9 th out of 20 in the 13 lap main race). The car was timed at mph. Meanwhile, Charlie Smith had a busy weekend driving the Alex Mildren twin-cam Brabham 1500 and his own Lotus 23b Aus Autosportsman May 64, Medley Bathurst Book, RCN May 64 AMS Jun 64 Australian Autosportsman May 64 Firstly this report on the main race over 13 laps for all-comers under As recorded in AMS June 64

20 And secondly the results as recorded in the same magazine. 19 th April 1964 Sandown Park Qualifies 6 th fastest in the Mildren Elfin. Sach finishes 4 th but is disqualified for not having an operative starter motor. RCN May 64

3 May 1964 Oran Park Race 1 Sach finishes 6 th behind Leo G, Matich, Cusack, Holden, and Walker.

Sach DNF's with clutch trouble in the NSW Road Racing Championship race over 25 laps whilst in 6 th place RCN Jun 64 SCW Jul 64 27 th May 1964 Towac Mildren team blitzes them!

Charlie Smith tells of slowing in the final laps so as not to overtake his teammate. RCN Jul 64 and Charlie Smith 7 th June 1964 Warwick Farm 10 lap Racing car event.

21 3 May 1964 Oran Park Race 1 Sach finishes 6 th behind Leo G, Matich, Cusack, Holden, and Walker. Race 2 DNF clutch SCW Jul th May 1964 Catalina Sach reported as running 6 th in the 6 lap race for "Main Race" qualifiers. Sach DNF's with clutch trouble in the NSW Road Racing Championship race over 25 laps whilst in 6 th place RCN Jun 64 SCW Jul th May 1964 Towac Mildren team blitzes them!! Sach comes home 2 nd behind Smith in the Brabham in the 25 lap final of the West Districts Championships. Sach was the only other car to finish on the same lap as his team mate. Charlie Smith tells of slowing in the final laps so as not to overtake his teammate. RCN Jul 64 and Charlie Smith 7 th June 1964 Warwick Farm 10 lap Racing car event. Sach finishes in 8 th spot in a very wet race the order being S. Martin, L Geoghegan, Cusack, Smith, Walker, Davison, Rogers, Sach, Hunnam, and Glass The program, RCN Jul In the August issue of Australian Motor Sports on page 66 this advertisement appears for the sale of 625. The car soon appears in the hands of Jaques Sapir a Melbournian who had raced a number of cars, and was considered a very good mechanic.

Jaques Sapir 20 th September 1964 Hume Weir First and only mention Jaques Sapir in ex Charlie Smith Elfin. Spun and was Tee boned at Hume Weir mid 64.

! Ed Ian Kaufman 15 th November 1964 Calder Park Ian Kaufman and Rocky Tresise Ian Kaufman in conversation wasn't aware that Sapir had had an accident with 625 at Hume Weir.

22 Jaques Sapir 20 th September 1964 Hume Weir First and only mention Jaques Sapir in ex Charlie Smith Elfin. Spun and was Tee boned at Hume Weir mid Story tells of car being rebuilt after a bingle "last December" only to be "bingled" again. RCN Oct 64 Last December was actually June 63!! Ed Ian Kaufman 15 th November 1964 Calder Park Ian Kaufman and Rocky Tresise Ian Kaufman in conversation wasn't aware that Sapir had had an accident with 625 at Hume Weir. Rocky Tresise borrows car from Ian Kaufman at Calder Park November 64 for the Victorian 1500cc Championship race which was the 5 th and final round of Joseph Lucas-Lex Davison Trophy Series. Rocky comes 4 th outright and wins the under 1100 class in this race and thereby takes out the Championship for under 1100cc division. Meanwhile Ian himself comes 2 nd in the 8 lap Division 2 Racing Car event Car prepared by Lou Russo...AMS Jan 65 RCN Dec 64

This report from Australian Motor Sports and Automobiles Jan 65 describes what this drive by Tresise's meant to the youngster Rocky Tresise's rise to prominence, earned him a ride in the fabled Lex

It also acknowledges his drive of the Elfin at Calder Park and comes from SCW 4 In the same issue of Sports Car World just 4 pages further on is a tribute to Lex Davison who lost his life at Sandown

23 This report from Australian Motor Sports and Automobiles Jan 65 describes what this drive by Tresise's meant to the youngster Rocky Tresise's rise to prominence, earned him a ride in the fabled Lex Davison team. Tragically Rocky was fatally injured at Longford and his obituary relates the story of this very promising young driver. It also acknowledges his drive of the Elfin at Calder Park and comes from SCW 4 In the same issue of Sports Car World just 4 pages further on is a tribute to Lex Davison who lost his life at Sandown just the week before. In the March issue of RCN there is a 2 page Tribute to Lex Davison again with a separate Tribute to Rocky Tresise. In the RCN Tribute it says:- "In March 1964, Davison announced that Rocky, now 21, would be the second member of the Ecurie Australie" Team, driving the Cooper Climax, while Lex would drive the new Repco Brabham. It was on Rocky's fourth drive in the car, whilst attempting to carry on the Davison tradition, that he lost his life.". Winton 6 th December 1964

Ian Kaufman qualifies 5 th in Formula 2 Championship. Finishes 4 ty RCN Jan 65 24 th January 1965 Calder Park Ian Kaufman qualifies 10 th for Lucas Davison Trophy race over 20 laps.

24 Ian Kaufman qualifies 5 th in Formula 2 Championship. Finishes 4 ty RCN Jan th January 1965 Calder Park Ian Kaufman qualifies 10 th for Lucas Davison Trophy race over 20 laps. RCN Feb 65 7 th March 1965 Calder Park IK qualifies 14 th for Lucas Davison round. In another race (Race 4) IK wins after lying 4 th in the opening laps. The leader faded out and Kaufman "came from nowhere to take the lead with a couple of laps to go" RCN Apr st March 1965 Winton IK qualifies 8 th for the Victorian 1.5 litre Championship. Gets baulked off the line as John Ampt all but stalls at the start. RCN Apr 65 AMS June 65 In another supporting race Kaufman finishes 2 nd behind Tim Schenken in the ex Rocky Tresise Lotus rd May 1965 Calder Park Ian Kaufman comes home 3 rd in under 1100 division Lucas Davison Trophy race. After qualifying 10 th Kaufman wins the Handicap race after starting halfway down the field. AMS Jul 65 RCN Jul th June 1965 Hume Weir Ian Kaufman finishes 4 th in the Riverina Gold Cup race. RCN Jul th August 1965 Calder Park IK qualifies 10 th for L.D. Trophy round. RCN Oct 65 AMS Oct 65 A great private photo (unknown photographer) taken at this meeting of Ian Kaufman leading Davis Collins in the Lotus th September 1965 Warwick Farm

scratch race event 2 and event 9 Racing Car Handicap race over 5 laps with a Handicap of 1.17 which put him 19th fastest out of 33 listed as far as the handicapper thought.

25 IK qualifies 8 th for Aust. Formula 2 Championship over 76 miles. At end of 1 st lap IK was 8 th RCN Nov th October 1965 Mallala Both the old Matich cars turn up for this meeting, with Noel Potts in 627 Ian Kaufman (Vic) entered in Programme for Div 2 5 lap scratch race event 2 and event 9 Racing Car Handicap race over 5 laps with a Handicap of 1.17 which put him 19th fastest out of 33 listed as far as the handicapper thought. In event 2, the scratch race, R. Reade Elfin 1500 and Ian Kaufman F shared the front row. RCN says Kaufman had trouble at the start and no further mention. The program, RCN Dec 65 Noel Potts shown in the results as 5 th in the main event, the 75 mile 47 lap Gold Star title event. RCN Dec th October 1965 Calder Park Ian Kaufman places 2 nd in under 1100cc division for Lucas Davison 20 lap Trophy Race and 2 nd outright in a Div 2 race. AMS Dec 65 5 th December 1965 Winton IK runs 2 nd in the cc race behind Ivan Tighe but spins a short distance from the flag letting David Collins through RCN Feb 66 And so we come to the end of 1965 and what is now the CAMS Group M period. 625's Further Competition Record

26 Note: The references made here come from reports found in the various magazines that were available at the time of writing. There may be many instances where the car ran but did not get a mention, and hence no record exists of the entry. Therefor this section does not purport to be a comprehensive History of 625. Further Competition History 13 February 1966 Warwick Farm Tasman International Meeting Ian Kaufman finishes 5 th in the 5 lap Racing Car support event which was written up as the "Race of the Day" 1 st was Max Stewart Rennmax, Peter Williamson Elfin Imp, Kev Pinkstone Brabham, and Gary Moore Lotus 20b, 6 th was Mike Campton also in a Lotus 20b. 21 Feb 66 Sandown 13/2/66 Tasman Meeting Programme shows I. Kaufman entered as 1098 car 41 Elfin Ford. Finished 6 th outright behind Max Stewart Rennmax Ford 1098, P. Williamson Elfin Imp 965, B. Lake Elfin Ford 1098, K Pinkstone Brabham Ford 1098, And G. Moore Lotus 20b There were 19 starters in the programme. In Aust Autosportsman April 66 listed as 5 th. 13 March 66 Winton IK comes home 2 nd in the 4 lap under 1100cc warm up race RCN May March Calder Park Lucas Dav. Round IK wins the ANF 2 division from David Collins Lotus 18 and Richard Temby in an Elfin Mono IK later takes a win in the Div 2 race RCN May May 66 Calder Park Ian Kaufman rolls car at Calder May 22, 1966 on lap 2 after losing a wheel in the Lucas Esses. The wheel "ran across the track, jumped the Armco, sailed over the heads of the packed crowd at Shell, missed a woman sitting on top of a car by a fraction and landed on the windscreen of the car behind and injuring the 2 occupants. They received cuts which would not have been serious except that one was a hemophiliac (bleeder) and had to be rushed to hospital. This IS true - believe it or not! RCN Jul 66 AMS Jul August 66 Calder Park IK shown in the point score for the L.D. under 1100 as equal 3 rd with 12 points RCN Oct October 66 Calder Park IK qualifies 13 th for the Victorian Trophy Race over 100 miles RCN Dec 66 4 Dec 66 Winton IK wins the under 1100cc event by 2 secs from David Collins, Lotus 18 and Andy McGregor, Ausper RCN Jan December 1966 Logbook issued

27 15 Jan 67 Calder Park Ian Kaufman IK wins the under 1100cc div of the Lucas-Davison Trophy race over 30 laps. In the Div 2 race later, IK spun whilst 2 nd and dropped to 5 th RCN Feb Feb 67 Sandown Park Logbook entry 18 Mar 67 Sandown Park Logbook entry 16 Apr 67 Sandown Park Ian Kaufman IK stalls the car at the start and is push started. Comes from last to finish 3 rd in an "excellent drive" but due to being push-started is disqualified from the results. In conversation with Ian, he tells that this is not true; he saw the officials after the race and convinced them that the disqualification should be dropped and it was.rcn Jun 67 and Ian Kaufman 27 May 67 Calder Park Logbook entry 5 Nov 67 Calder Park Logbook entry 24 Feb 68 Sandown Park Logbook entry 24 Mar Calder Park Logbook entry 27 Apr 68 Sandown Park Logbook entry 18 May 68 Calder Park Logbook entry 3 Aug 68 Calder Park Logbook entry 19 Oct 68 Calder Park Logbook entry 15 Feb 69 Sandown Park Logbook entry 22 Mar 69 Calder Park Logbook entry 24 May 69 Calder Park Logbook entry 18 Oct 69 Calder Park Logbook entry 8 Nov 69 Sandown Park Logbook entry 5 Dec 69 Winton Logbook entry 18 Jan 70 Calder Park Logbook entry 21 Feb 70 Sandown Park Logbook entry 29 May 70 Car sold from Ian Kaufman to G.A. Robbins 31 May 70 Calder Park Logbook entry 15 Aug 70 Calder Park Logbook entry 17 Oct 70 Calder Park Logbook entry 24 Oct 70 Phillip Island Logbook entry

2 Jan 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 16 Jan 71 Calder Park Logbook entry 30 Jan 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 3 Apr 71 Sandown Park Logbook entry 5 May 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 19 Feb 72

28 2 Jan 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 16 Jan 71 Calder Park Logbook entry 30 Jan 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 3 Apr 71 Sandown Park Logbook entry 5 May 71 Phillip Island Logbook entry 19 Feb 72 Sandown Park Logbook entry 18 Mar 72 Calder Park Logbook entry This is the end of the original logbook as it is now filled. It is not known whether a subsequent logbook was issued in the period. The next available logbook is an Historic Logbook issued 24 th August 1989 to Stephen Lunn who had purchased 625 from Geoff Robbins. And listed here are the logbook entries since then Original Historic Logbook issued to Steve Lunn 24th August th May 90 Winton, rear wheel damaged and trailing arms. 8 th Mar 91 PI 25 th May 91 Winton 27 th Oct 91 Tarrengower 6 th Mar 92 PI 30 th May 92 Winton 22 nd Aug 92 Winton 5 th Mar 92 PI 25 th Apr 93 Mangalore 20 th May 94 Winton 31 st Oct 93 Geelong 12 th Mar 94 PI 24 th Apr 94 Mangalore 28 th May 94 Winton 23 Oct 94 Tarrengower 14 Mar 1996 Car sold to Adam Berryman who appears in the photo below

16.3.96 PI 25.5.96 Winton 6.7.96 Calder 2.3.97 Geelong 15.3.97 PI 19.4.97 Mallala 5.7.97 CPP 15.2.98 Calder 28.2.98 PI 19.4.98 Mangalore 30.5.98 Winton 24.10.98 Sandown 22.11.98 Geelong 26.2.99 PI 23.

29 PI Winton Calder Geelong PI Mallala CPP Calder PI Mangalore Winton Sandown Geelong PI Sandown PI Winton 12 th July 2001 Car sold to Ed Holly Eastern Crk Sandown Wakefield Pk Wakefield Pk Wakefield Pk damage front end suspension etc Eastern Crk Sandown Ed Holly in 625 photo by Steve Duggan Oran Park GP New Group M u/1500cc lap record set event 1 Sat 1: Winton

6.7 September 2003 Eastern Creek Qual 27 th Div2 of 3 Divisions plug lead come off. Race 1 13 th 1st corner.high as 5 th in 2 nd race finishing 8 th due twin cams having legs down the straight 8.

Qual 7th 1 st race. Sat 5 laps finished 10th..1 st race Sunday finished 6th and lost the lap record to Harry Hinkling who lowered it to 1:19.

30 6.7 September 2003 Eastern Creek Qual 27 th Div2 of 3 Divisions plug lead come off. Race 1 13 th 1st corner.high as 5 th in 2 nd race finishing 8 th due twin cams having legs down the straight 8.9 November 2003 Sandown Park Vic managed a win on Sat in class when Rob Hands given a drive thru. 2 nd in class Sun 10 th overall 20,21 March 2004 Oran Park GP circuit, divisional racing. Qual 7th 1 st race. Sat 5 laps finished 10th..1 st race Sunday finished 6th and lost the lap record to Harry Hinkling who lowered it to 1:19.35 Feature race of the weekend was the John Dawson-Damer Memorial for pre 70's Racecars Trophy race over 10 laps. Started 3 rd, blinder of a start, even picked up a couple of yards on Hamilton on pole into first corner. Settled into 19's, and managed to recapture the lap record with a in the 10 lap journey... And this is how Australian Classic Cars Magazine reported the race. 5 th May 2004 Wakefield Park

Inaugural GEAR Race meeting. Untimed practice and 3 races.

Photos below show 625 on front row of grid ( should have been 4 th ) just before and just after start,after the 2 nd and 3 rd guys peeled off

31 Inaugural GEAR Race meeting. Untimed practice and 3 races. 1 st race 2 nd behind Dalro, 2 nd race a handicap started 18 th and 3 rd last came through to lead on last lap and take a win. Last race led from start to finish. 19,20 th June 04 Eastern Creek 625 wins the Jack Brabham trophy for Group M racing cars, and sets a new class lap record in the process. Photos below show 625 on front row of grid ( should have been 4 th ) just before and just after start,after the 2 nd and 3 rd guys peeled off to do full circuit warm-up taken by my pit crew, Rex Bunyan On Sunday there was a parade of Elfin cars and as Charlie Smith was in attendance I asked Charlie to take his old charger out for the display. The photo that follows shows Charlie on his return to the pits and was taken by John Ellacott. Charlie I was assured really did appreciate his drive in the car.

32 The Poster

33 Sandown Park Meeting 6 th & 7 th November 2004 Last race meeting for Ed Holly. In a field of 17, including the M and O Sports Racers, Qual 3 rd Race rd, race rd, race st all in damp /wet conditions. So Holly ends up with an outright win in his last drive in 625. Result tabulation for the racing career #625 for events it is known to have competed. Date Venue Ca Driver Result OR Remarks p / Class W.Farm 1.5 Matich 4 th / 1 st "Works" car Hordern Trophy race Catalina 1.5 " 1 st, 3 rd /1 st 2 nd Catalina FJ Smith?, Dnf W.Farm FJ " Bathurst 1.5 "?, 3 rd /1 st /1 st Behind 2 Cooper Climaxes Catalina FJ " 1 st / 1 st NSW Championship W.Farm " Dnf Huge spin last lap Hume Wr " Dnf Crash into tree Lakeside " 4 th, 1 st /? 1 st Won Lakeside Trophy Lowood " Dnf Susp problem Catalina 1.5 " 4 th W.Farm FJ " Dnf On last lap when 4 th Catalina FJ " 4 th / 3 rd Oran Pk " Dnf Whilst 2 nd crankshaft W.Farm 1.5 " Dnf Hordern race..crank Catalina 1.5 " 4 th, 3 rd 3 rd Blue Mtns Trophy Sandown 1.5 " Dnf Tasman round AGP, bent valves W.Farm 1.5 " Dnf Tasman round, oil pump Oran Pk 1.5 " 1 st, Dnf Dnf engine Bathurst FJ Sach 8 th,9 th /3 rd,3 134mph Oran Pk FJ " 6 th /Dnf Catalina FJ " ~6 th,dnf Towac FJ " 2 nd /1 st Mildren team blitz W.Farm FJ " 8 th / Hume Wr FJ Sapir Dnf crash Calder Pk FJ Tresise 4 th /1 st Shared the car this meeting Kaufman 2 nd Winton F2 " 4 th Calder Pk F2 " Qual 10 th Calder Pk F2 "?, 1 st Qual 14 th L.D. then wins extra race Winton F2 "?, 2 nd Qual 8 th L.D. then 2 nd extra race Calder Pk F2 "?,1 st / 3 rd 1 st Qual 10 th L.D. wins h'cap x mid field Hume Wr F2 " 4 th Riverina Gold Cup Calder Pk F2 " Qual 10 th L.D W.Farm F2 " Qual 8 th Aust F2 Championship Mallala F2 " 19 th fastest from Calder Pk F2 "?,? / 2 nd,2 nd Winton F2 " 3 rd 1100cc race W.Farm F2 " 5 th Racing car support race to Tasman Sandown F2 " 5 th Racing car support race to Tasman

34 Winton F2 " 2 nd,? 2 nd in warm up race Calder Pk F2 "?, 1 st /1 st,1 st Calder Pk F2 " Dnf Loses a wheel Calder Pk F2 " Equal 3 rd in champ'ship after meet Calder Pk F2 " Qual 13 th Vic Trophy Race Winton F2 " 1 st Wins under 1100cc event Calder Pk F2 "?,5 th /1 st,? 2 nd race spun when 2 nd drop to 5 th 46 To here meets Sandown F2 " Sandown F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Sandown F2 " Winton F2 " Calder F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 Robbin s Calder F2 " Calder F2 " Phillip I F2 " Phillip I F2 " Calder F2 " Phillip I F2 " Sandown F2 " Phillip I F2 " Sandown F2 " Calder F2 " Winton 1.5 Lunn Phillip I 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Tarreng'r 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Mangalor 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Geelong 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Mangalor 1.5 " 65 meets to here

35 Wonton 1.5 " Tarreng'r 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 Berrym an Winton 1.5 " Calder 1.5 " Geelong 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Mallala 1.5 " CPP 1.5 " Calder 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Mangalor 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Sandown 1.5 " Geelong 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Sandown 1.5 " Phillip I 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Eastern C 1.5 Holly Engine blew 1st corner 1 st race Sandown 1.5 " Wakefield 1.5 " Wakefield 1.5 " Wakefield 1.5 " Eastern C 1.5 " Sandown 1.5 " Wakefield 1.5 " Oran P GP 1.5 " Winton 1.5 " Eastern C 1.5 " Sandown 1.5 " Oran P GP 1.5 " New lap rcd 1 st x 2 Grp M 3 rd DDrace Wakefield 1.5 " GEAR meeting Eastern C 1.5 " (123 meets) New lap rcd 3 x 1 st group M 1: Eastern C 1.5 " 1 st /1 st x 3 J. Brabham Trophy New lap rcd 1: Sandown 1.5

36 And this is where the name ELFIN came from!!

AUSTRALIAN FORMULA JUNIOR ASSOCIATION.

AUSTRALIAN FORMULA JUNIOR ASSOCIATION Email: afja@iprimus.com.au www.australianformulajunior.com Executive Committee Chairman Ian Bailey 02 9411 4251 Secretary Kelvin Prior 03 9707 1652 Vic. Rep. David