The first Spectrum Formula Ford was produced by Michael Borland in the mid-1980s, beginning a four-decade history that has included championship success in Australia and overseas.
Spectrum cars have since become a mainstay of Australian Formula Ford, helping numerous drivers progress through the junior ranks and into categories including Supercars.
After honing his skills preparing Australian F2 cars in the early 1980s, Borland completed the first chassis in 1986.
Up against imported machinery from the UK, home-grown Spectrum racers have amassed an impressive number of crowns — eight Australian championships, 46 state titles, six Canadian titles, four New Zealand titles, three United States titles and two British titles, as well as a New Zealand Grand Prix victory in 2009.
More recently, BRD oversaw the design and development of the S5000 machine with Garry Rogers Motorsport, while also undertaking several restoration projects, including Andrew Miedecke’s March 76B Formula Atlantic.
“Of the most recent 50 cars built, 42 went overseas,” Borland said.
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“To date, 165 Spectrum Formula Fords have been constructed.
“What pleases me most is that since the very first years of Formula Ford, Australian-built cars have been an integral part of it – back then it was Elfin, with Richard Knight and Larry Perkins taking out the first championships (1970/71).
“Formula Ford is undergoing a resurgence again with the success of recent graduates and with former and current Supercars drivers and engineers recognising it as the best place for their own kids to learn.
“The cars have an excellent safety record and they offer a great laps for dollars ratio – so there is no need to change something radically that still delivers the best driver education you can get.”
Spectrum drivers claimed the two most recent Australian titles, with Eddie Beswick in 2024 and Kobi Williams last season.
Owing to the driver development power of Formula Ford, Beswick currently competes in USF2000, a feeder series for IndyCar, and sits third in the standings with seven races remaining.
Williams graduated to Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and currently leads the points with two rounds left to run.
Australian championship success first came in 1998 with Adam Macrow and Christian Jones finishing 1-2.
Several Supercars drivers rose through the ranks driving Spectrum models, including Mark Winterbottom, Jason Bargwanna, Scott Pye, Chaz Mostert, Jayden Ojeda, and James Golding.
Spectrum’s current model, the 015 was released nine years ago, with talks of an upgraded 016 in the works.
When the Australian Formula Ford Championship resumes at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend, front-runner Jamie Row will carry a special livery and the number 40 in recognition of the anniversary.
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