Restoring and Racing a 1964 Autodynamics Formula Vee
Eric’s journey into motorsport began in high school, working as mechanic and pit crew for a 1959 Turner vintage racing team. That early hands-on experience quickly let to the purchase, restoration, and competitive racing of a 1964 Autodynamics Formula Vee.
Starting with essentially a bare frame and scrap engine and bodywork, Eric restored this classic SCCA formula car to its original glory. In the process, many safety updates and performance modifications were incorporated. Just a few aspects of this complete rebuild were:
- Development of finite element and kinematic models of chassis and suspension
- Extensive structural and other updates to comply with current safety standards
- Entirely new electrical system and instrumentation
- Design of new hydraulic systems and adjustable brake bias system
- All new bodywork, paint, and graphics restoring car to its original appearance
After completing its restoration, Eric raced this car for several seasons in SCCA and SVRA events. It has since been exhibited at events at Mid-Ohio, Lime Rock, and Virginia International Raceway. This project highlights the blend of engineering rigor and competitive insight that continues to drive Thorski’s work today.
