1966 Crosslé 9 S

The 1966 Crosslé 9S, designed by John Crosslé, was introduced to compete in the European International Two-Liter and Group 6 Championships. The Crosslé Car Company, founded in 1957 in Ireland, initially gained prominence for producing high-quality formula cars, including Formula Ford and Formula Junior, which were favored by racing schools and aspiring drivers like Nigel Mansell and Eddie Irvine. The 9S marked the company’s shift into the world of small, open-top sports cars designed for competitive racing. 

Built with a tubular steel space frame, the original 9S used advanced engineering for its time, incorporating a lightweight structure to achieve optimal performance on the track. The car featured a 2-liter Ford engine, delivering over 220 horsepower, which paired with a Hewland 5-speed racing gearbox. With a dry weight of approximately 530 kg, the 9S boasted an impressive power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to compete effectively in numerous racing series during the 1960s and beyond. 

The Crosslé 9S enjoyed success in various championships, including the British Sports Car Cup and the Swiss Championship. In addition, the model’s versatility allowed it to be adapted for both track and road use. A road-legal version of the 9S, equipped with essential safety and convenience features such as lights and indicators, was also produced, making it one of the few race cars that could seamlessly transition from circuit to street. 

Though originally designed in 1965, the Crosslé 9S continues to hold a place in historic motorsport. Thanks to the efforts of specialists and restorers, the car remains competitive in vintage racing events today, with modern versions still being produced by the Crosslé Car Company in Ireland. These continuation models, while staying true to the car’s original design, incorporate modern elements like the reliable Ford Zetec engine and updated safety features, ensuring their competitiveness in contemporary motorsport. 

The Crosslé 9S, with its blend of engineering precision and racing pedigree, remains a celebrated example of Irish motorsport engineering, admired for its performance, lightweight construction, and enduring success on the racetrack.