Practical Classics (UK)

Formhalls Vintage & Racing Ltd

Legendary classic engineerin­g expertise still thriving in Wiltshire

- formhalls.com, 01725 511241

We have a long and proud associatio­n with them, so it was a pleasure to pop into FVR near Salisbury recently. A sad duty too since the passing of Terry Formhalls, who started the business in his back garden in 1994. Since his demise the company has gone through a few changes in ownership. The company now forms part of the Marcos Motor Co along with Marcos Heritage, Marcos Engineerin­g and Sandydown Bodyworks.

We're shown round by new manager David Newton: ‘We're still able to perform just about any specialist engineerin­g task, from metalling to machining freshly cast blocks and myriad other parts,’ he says. Formhalls can seemingly still perform the impossible, and to a deadline. You can request a detailed quote before agreeing to any work and, as we found, there’s plenty of work and it keeps coming. ‘Formhalls is now part of a group of classic specialist­s,’ says David, ‘so we can offer a broader range of services.’ Formhalls is at the heart of ambitious projects to revive classic names of the past, its parent company, Marcos Motor Co, the iconic British sportscar manufactur­er, being the best known. FVR is also engaged in developing plans to return a much-loved name from the 1960’s and 70’s, a name synonymous with specialist tuning. and engine building including A-, B- and C-series. ‘Given that our workshop is situated in Downton,’ says David ‘we are close to the roots of that specialist and with our capabiliti­es, it is an opportunit­y that we want to address.’

But Formhalls is still focused on core business and that’s not the only continuity. Call and you’ll speak to Evie Formhalls, Terry’s daughter. So, traditiona­l values and craftsmans­hip still thrive – with a secure future.

 ?? ?? David Newton in the workshop.
David Newton in the workshop.
 ?? ?? Bentley engine ready for testing.
Bentley engine ready for testing.

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