Tojeiro Ford Ecurie Ecosse

1963 Tojeiro for Ecurie Ecosse
Classic Tojeiro built for Ecurie Ecosse

By the early 1960s, Ecurie Ecosse had established itself as a world class independent race team, with notable victories including Le Mans in both 1956 and 1957 with the Jaguar D-Type. With the signing of the relatively unknown young Scottish driver Jackie Stewart in 1962, it was decided that the two Tojeiro’s would be the best option for the Scottish team.

TAD-1-64 was built in 1963, the second Tojeiro for the team and the first Buick powered, being originally fitted with V8 Buick engine. The cars first competitive outing in 1963 was at Silverstone, with a victory in the hands of Stewert at Charterhall.

For the 1965 season the Buick engine was replaced by a Cobra specification Ford V8 with Stewart back behind the wheel for the opening rounds of Silverstone, Goodwood and Brands Hatch. John Coundley took over where Stewert left off with a race outing at Snetterton and a 1st overall at Brands Hatch.

The 1965 season saw TAD-1-64 have its roof removed in order to turn it into an open sports car, with a further victory at Silverstone and visits to Croft and Ingleston. Unfortunately, Bill Stein crashed the Tojeiro at Brands Hatch.

The damaged car went to Phil Brewer before being passed on to the famous Moray Motor Museum in the late 1980’s. They commissioned a full restoration of the car, including acquiring and re-fitting the original roof. The rebuild was completed by Brian Wingfield, and the engine was done my marque specialists Mathwall Engineering.

Today the car is presented in excellent condition, and is a regular competitor in many of the most prestigious historic events, including the Goodwood Revival. An unusual entry that was instrumental in the budding career of eventual F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart.

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