1988 Van Diemen FF2000-1

The 1988 Van Diemen FF2000-1 is a purpose-built open-wheel formula race car designed for the Formula Ford 2000 (FF2000) category, a stepping stone for aspiring professional drivers. Van Diemen, a renowned British race car constructor, was known for producing some of the most competitive and technically advanced chassis in junior formula racing during the 1980s and beyond.

The FF2000-1 featured a lightweight tubular steel spaceframe chassis with fiberglass bodywork, designed for maximum rigidity and aerodynamic efficiency. Power came from a 2.0-liter Ford Pinto inline-four engine, producing approximately 150 horsepower, mated to a Hewland 4- or 5-speed manual gearbox—a common spec in formula racing.

With a total weight around 1,100 pounds (500 kg), the car offered blistering acceleration and razor-sharp handling. It ran on slick racing tires, unlike the treaded tires used in Formula Ford 1600, and included downforce-generating wings, making it faster and more complex to drive.

The 1988 Van Diemen FF2000-1 was a dominant force in its class and remains a popular choice in vintage and club racing today. It’s a machine built purely for the track—raw, responsive, and ideal for honing racecraft.