Rare Formosa 120 GR Roadster (1963 Triumph Herald/Vitesse)

A rare burgundy Formosa 120 GR roadster arriving at and leaving Cars and Coffee at Finish Line Auto Club. Produced by Mid-Century Evocations, the 120 GR utilizes a Triumph Herald, Triumph Vitesse, or Reliant Scimitar chassis and features fiberglass bodywork developed by Gary Jane and Glan Richards available in two styles inspired by 1950s racing sports cars. This example, built in 2021, uses a 1963 Triumph Herald chassis and a Triumph Vitesse powertrain - a 1.6-liter inline-six engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

Driving this car requires getting used to people not only looking at you, but also asking you what kind of car it is. This owner simply tells people it's a Triumph, because nobody would have heard of Formosa and there's no doubt he'll continue being pegged with questions until he reveals the car's drivetrain and underpinnings. I don't know if Formosa is better known in Europe, but this was probably the only example anyone at the event had ever encountered, and this was probably the first time most of us had heard of the company. Personally I love how Formosa opted for original styling, and even made two uniquely-styled versions, rather than replicate an existing car. The use of Triumph components means finding parts and servicing won't be particularly difficult. What an incredible way to enjoy a taste of a '50s open race car without either being criticized for having a replica or spending a fortune on a priceless classic!

Would you add this rare Triumph-based Formosa 120 GR to your garage? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!