1968 Beach Type 11 Formula B Alfa

Serial Number: 104 Frame Number: none Engine Number: AR005021B573 Gearbox Number: none Logbooks: lost in fire Condition: superb Price: $28,000 $26,900 $25,900 USD Location: Southren California, US
Description Beatufully restored in 1998 with the assistance of the original owner of 30 years, the car is as close to original, as-raced condition as possible. Truly a museum-quality restoration, the car is a jewel-like example of this American formula car.

History

Original owner/driver Chuck Kessinger purchased this car from the Beach works in 1968 and campaigned it in approximately 15 races in the Orange County California area from 1968-1971. At the pro race in Sebring Florida in 1971 he was the only non-Ford powered car to finish the race and he won his feature overall at Riverside in 1971. Mr. Kessinger continued to own the car for a total of 30 years until it was sold to the current owner to conduct a restoration. He states that the car outhandled a Lotus 41 or BT-29. Mr Kessinger is able and willing to answer any questions about the car or marque which may arise. More detailed history will be available shortly.

Sadly, the Beach marque is absent from "A-Z of Formula Racing Cars" by Hodges. The SCCA formulas and the Beach marque are described and the Type 11 Formula B pictured in the July 1968 Issue of Sports Car, Pages 47-52. The Beach Marque is also described briefly in "The Anatomy and Development of the Formula Ford Race Car" by Nickless.

Recent Competition History

Engine

• Alfa Romeo GTA 1600cc.
• twin plug
• dual 45DCOE Weber sidedraughts
• original exhaust system
• dry sumped

Fuel System

• original fibreglass shrouded alloy tank
• no fuel cell
• electric fuel pump

Oil/Water System

• front oil tank and cooler
• front water rad
• expansion tank

Electrical System

• Magnetti Marelli ignition
• no alternator
• new battery

Gearbox

• Hewland Mk5

Final Drive

• Hewland in unit with gearbox

Body

• fibreglass integral nose/cockpit cowl, undertray, tail cover
• red with white stripe paint in excellent condition

Chassis

• multitubular space frame
• Dampers: Armstrong Knob adjustable, adjustable spring perches
• Front Suspension: dual wishbone, coil over, chromed
• Rear Suspension: top link, lower reversed wishbone, dual trailing links, coil over
• Steering: rack and pinion
• Brakes: 4 wheel disks outboard, Airheart calipers, new masters
• Wheels: "Daisy" type mags, Firestone tires

Interior

• no fire system
• 3 point restraints
• VDO instruments
• original steering wheel

Spares

• none