Huron Cars
A failed attempt at independence
From 1971 to 1972
Only two M4A with Ford FVC engines were completed
In 1971 a Canadian business man, Jack Smith and his colleague Roy Ireland approached Jo to join them in setting up Huron Auto Race Developments. It was to be established in Canada (near Lake Huron) but fortunately, as it turned out, they began in Kingston-on-Thames in order to take advantage of known expertise and suppliers. Sadly, due to lack of finances , the company was very short lived. But 2 cars (4As) were built and raced and one more chassis built.
Del Bennet used a Mk.1A with Ford Twin Cam engine in Formula Atlantic
Dutch manufacturer DAF acquired the two M4A in 1972 to be fitted with their Variomatic gearbox
A single-seater F2/F3/Atlantic car was also designed and built and presented to the Press in 1971. As no expense was spared on all these cars (Jo being accustomed to McLaren funding) they were certainly built to last.
In 1972 two 4A Hurons were supplied to Dutch Manufacturer DAF. One of which was raced in the Belgium Hill Climb Championship where it won the 1972 Championship in the hands of Jean-Louis Haxhe. Four decades later this car was tracked down by the grandson of Martin van Doorne (President of DAF). It appears it was sold in 1976 to Dean Dietrich in the USA. It was resold 3 more times over the years until it was restored and sold to Paul van Doorne. He was invited to drive his car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2010. It caused a great deal of interest (Motorsport News July 2010)
In 2011 a 1970/71 Huron 4A 2 litre Sportscar Prototype was sold at Auction for £84,000.
Big plans with Camel sponsoring did not come to fruition
Shaun Jackson and Roger Enever drove the Huron M4A with Ford engine at Brands Hatch in 1971
The M4A on display at the Geneva Motor Show 1971
"A story which should rather be forgotten".