Formula 602CV
Welcome to Formula 602CV. A single make single seater racing car formula designed around Citroen 2CV parts.
The escalating cost of being competitive in motorsport is often from new more advanced cars becoming available and earlier models becoming uncompetitive.
Not an issue in one make Formula 602CV, which stays the same, hence it being a totally driver skill based formula.
Peter's vision
We all have dreams. Years ago, mine was to design and produce a lightweight sporting car, the Liege. 59 body/chassis component cars later, sold without advertising. Another dream resulted in stopping production and starting the design of a second car. A 2CV components based single seater racing car. The 602CV. The vision was, and still is, a one make racing car series: Formula 602CV. Inexpensive, lightweight and importantly, straight forward to build and maintain at home.
The start of a 602CV
A few years ago, a friend rang me to say he'd come across a Citroen 2CV for sale. The owner having given up the dream of renovating it. The chassis was in a sorry state, a new replacement being only the start of what would be required to make the 2CV roadworthy again. Having handed over the GBP 280, the owner had been asking for it, little did the oil covered mechanical 2CV parts know they would become the heart and soul of a 602CV racing car.
2CV racing
You'd be forgiven for thinking the original 2CV wouldn't be a suitable car to take to a motor racing circuit. You'd only have to follow the Classic 2CV Racing Club races to change your mind. As well as sprint races, they also run impressive 24 hour races.
Not only is the 602CV single seater race car half the weight of a 2CV saloon, it's also considerably more aerodynamic.
Formula 500
In 1947 a group of enthusiasts got together and started a club to encourage enthusiasts to build single seater racing cars with engines of 500cc maximum. Originally, to compete at hillclimb events such as Prescott and Shelesly Walsh. The most popular engines were J.A.P. and eventually Norton motorcycle engines.
These small exhilarating to drive cars gained popularity following John Copper and his father Charles, designing a chassis which used both front and rear, Fiat Tipo front suspension. They supplied their chassis, together with an aluminium body to enthusiasts to build a Cooper racing car themselves.
Eventually these small, relatively low powered Formula 500 cars, became popular circuit racing cars across Europe. Eventually the FIA recognising them and re categorizing them as Formula 3 racing cars.
Driver position
Climbing into, and out of, a 602CV single seater racing car, like so many modern racing cars, has a quick release steering wheel.
It's important controlling a race car to be comfortable. Importantly, your feet reaching the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals. Whether you're tall or short, it won't be a problem. The pedal assembly has 250mm of adjustment, changing drivers only involves sliding the pedals assembly forward or backward.
Tyres and engine
The importance of avoiding any competitive advantage, all Formula 602CV cars run on the same type of tyres. The Toyo 310, 135/80 x 15 tyre. These tyres are proven in competition as they are the same tyre the Classic 2CV Racing Club / BARC Regulation specifies for their racing series.
Unlike the historic Formula 500 race cars which used motorcycle engines, which required being push started. All Formula 602CV race cars are required keep the original 2CV starter motor. And the alternator to charge the battery.
Interestingly, the Classic 2CV Racing Club / BARC Regulations give a specification for a modified cam shaft. Also a Weber carburettor being an alternative to the original 2CV Solex carburettor. Also the standard ignition points may be changed to a specific electronic ignition. Included in the few permitted engine modifications is the changing the original pistons and barrels for 9.5:1 compression ratio pistons. Lightening the original flywheel is permitted and results in a healthy increase in the 2CV engine performance.
Suspension and dash
602CV aluminium uprights are at the heart of controlling the rear suspension. Also taking the outboard 2CV driveshafts.
The front suspension comprises top and bottom wishbones, while the rear has trailing arms. Regulation Gaz damper units are used front and rear. Spring rates are free.
The Formula 602CV dash has a central slot for height and angle adjustable steering column. Above is an 80mm revcounter. Each side is a 52mm oil pressure and oil temperature gauge. Starter switch and engine start button. Ignition warning red lamp and green low oil pressure warning lamp. A switch for the poor weather rear light and lastly a low brake fluid warning check switch. Behind the regulation roll over bar is a battery cut off switch, accessible to both the driver and Marshall's, if stopping the engine is required.
Nose cone and fuel tank
The 602CV nose cone features an air intake, aligned with a possible repositioned oil cooler, to keep the oil temperature stable. The 9 litre aluminium fuel tank is securely mounted to the chassis below the gearbox and differential.
For circuits and hillclimbs
Not just for circuit racing, also for those wishing to compete on the many Hillclimb courses throughout Europe. Whatever time the first Formula 602CV achieved would be a record, at least until another 602CV competitor reduced that time.
Whether you're experiencing a Formula 602CV for the first time on a Hillclimb, or on a race circuit, you'll find it addictive. The handling is quite extraordinary.
For those considering building a 602CV single seater for either Hillclimb or circuit racing, is the availability of so many new parts supplied by specialist Citroen 2CV parts suppliers in England and 2CV parts suppliers all over Europe.