In common with many British drivers of the time, Collins began racing in the 500 cc category (adopted as Formula 3 at the end of 1950), when his parents bought him a Cooper 500 from the fledgling Cooper Car Company.
Do mesmo xeito que moitos pilotos británicos da posguerra, Collins iniciou a súa carreira de competición na categoría de 500cc (adoptada como Fórmula 3 ao final de 1950), cando os seus pais compráronlle un Cooper 500 da incipiente Cooper Car Company.