Delivered new to racing driver Ken Coffey, a well known character in the paddocks since the mid-1950s, KVM567F was immediately readied for International Competition.
Its first outing was the 1968 24 heures de Spa Francorchamps in July, driven by Coffey and Nigel Moores - the British pair would finish an impressive 4th in class on the KVM's debut.
Following their success in the Spa 24hr, Coffey decided the challenge of an International Rally should be next on KVM's list. Over the autumn and winter or 1968 the car was readied for the legendary 1969 Monte Carlo Rally. Co-driven by Tom Dooley, and starting number 161, KVM would battle on until mechanical issues led to a retirement.
Next up for 1969 was debuting the Twin-Cam on home soil in the saloon race at the International Brands Hatch 6hr Meeting.
July '69 saw a second stab at the Spa 24hr, again sharing with Moores. This time the all-British team would come away with a win! 1st in 'Div II/Group 2'.
Following his win, the Spa 24hr would become Coffey's annual pilgrimage. For 1970 he would share with John Myerscough, just missing out on a podium, coming home 4th in class behind the Alpina BMW and two works-backed Alfa Romeos.
1971 would again see more silverware at Spa - 3rd in class and 1st British team home sharing with Myerscough.
A month later in August 1971 Coffey competed in the Oulton Park Gold Cup with KVM - 4th in class behind Hickman, Crabtree and Fitzpatrick.
For 1972 Coffey would share his trusty Escort with well-known racer and fellow BRDC member, Ted Worsick. Although it was was another finish, no silverware this year.
September 1972 came another British outing for KVM, tackling the ETCC Tourist Trophy at Silverstone. 4th in class was an impressive effort, beaten only by the Escorts of Dave Matthews/John Fitzpatrick, José Maria de Uriarte/Rafael Barrios and Tom Walkinshaw.
Coffey/Worswick would again pair up for the 1973 Spa 24hr - unfortunately mechanical gremlins would bring about the car's first ever DNF in the Ardennes.. on its last ever visit.
Whilst KVM took part in one or two saloon races in the UK in the early/mid 1970s, remaining in the exact spec it competed at Spa in, its period racing life was soon over. Retired from racing since the mid 1970s, maybe now is the time to see the car return to track or rally. Or maybe life as a fabulous road car would suit this old war horse better!
For those wanting to compete, KVM is eligible for the great rallies such as Modena Cento Ore and Tour Auto, plus the fantastic race series across the UK and Europe, including Patrick Peter's HTC and Motor Racing Legends HTCC or Sixties Touring Car Challenge where it will be an absolute front-runner overall.
KVM567F even comes complete with its original period trophies from its racing success. Such is the completeness of the trophy collection, tyre trader Coffey's Tyre Trade Awards silverware is even in there!
International rally and race history in the legendary Spa 24hr, plus ETCC and BSCC history, makes KVM567F a very rare car. Even rarer because it is probably the only car to ever compete in the Spa 24hr a total of SIX times.