1956 Cooper T39 Bobtail Mark II
- Engine
- Coventry Climax inline four-cylinder
The 1956 Cooper T39 Bobtail (chassis CS/55/57) is a rare surviving example of Cooper Car Company's pioneering mid-engine sports-racing design, one of only an estimated 13 remaining from a production run of 40–50 cars. Identified as a factory works car through research correlating chassis weld characteristics and correspondence with works driver Michael MacDowell, it was raced by Jack Brabham throughout the 1956 season and driven by MacDowell to a class victory at that year's Sussex Trophy at Goodwood. Following decades of uncertain British ownership, the car was eventually identified, researched, and certified to chassis number CS/55/57 by the Cooper Car Club. A decade-long, concours-level restoration costing over $300,000 was completed between 2014 and 2023.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$179,200
- 1956 → 1957Factory deliveryCooper Car Co.partial documentation
Operated as a works competition vehicle during the 1956 season before being repaired and sold, causing subsequent confusion about the model year.
- 1957 →Acquisition unknownUnknown UK owner or ownersnone documentation
Car remained in the United Kingdom over several decades, likely used in hillclimbs and local events by more than one unidentified owner.
- → 1995Acquisition unknownSilver Arrowspartial documentation
London-based firm acquired and restored the car before selling it in 1995; at that time stamped the export identification number JB964 on the frame as the original chassis number was then unknown.
- 1995 → 1996Private saleSteve Reesfull documentation
Kansas City, Missouri buyer acquired the car in reportedly complete but non-race-ready condition; correspondence on file documents the transaction.
- 1996 →Private saleCooper Weekspartial documentation
Also based in Kansas City; travelled to England and met Cooper Car co-founder John Cooper, who reportedly confirmed the car's works origins.
- → 2012Acquisition unknownMarc Richelsophfull documentation
Tennessee and later North Carolina resident who restored the car and through correspondence with works driver MacDowell and others positively identified the chassis as CS/55/57, subsequently obtaining a Cooper Car Club chassis plate.
- 2012 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignorfull documentation
Commissioned a decade-long comprehensive restoration by The Creative Workshop in Dania Beach, Florida, with documented expenditure exceeding $300,000 between 2014 and 2023.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCrosthwaite and Gardinerpartial documentation
Dick Crosthwaite of this Buxted, England firm rediscovered the car in the late 1980s, at which point it was noted as a Specials/Trials vehicle.
Competition
- 19561956 season racesDriver: Jack Brabham
Brabham campaigned the car throughout the 1956 works season; specific individual events are not named beyond the Sussex Trophy.
- 1956-09-081956 Sussex TrophyDriver: Michael MacDowell1st in class, 6th overall
Brabham and John Cooper requested MacDowell drive the works Bobtail so Brabham could contest a Formula 2 prototype at the same meeting; the event took place at Goodwood.
- 20142014 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
One of multiple concours appearances made during the current owner's tenure following restoration work.
- 2015The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
- 20222022 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
- 20232023 Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance
Maintenance & restoration
- 1957RepairCooper Car Company
Repaired following competition damage sustained during its time as a works entry before being sold on.
- 2014RestorationThe Creative Workshop
A full, decade-long cosmetic and mechanical restoration to concours standard was commissioned, with every detail addressed to replicate the car's 1956 race configuration. Invoices from 2014 to 2023 document expenditure exceeding $300,000.
Work undertaken at The Creative Workshop in Dania Beach, Florida; invoices spanning 2014–2023 are on file.
- —RestorationSilver Arrows
Car was restored by Silver Arrows prior to sale in 1995; at this time an export identification number was stamped on the frame as the original chassis number was unknown.
Sold in 'complete but not race-worthy' condition per correspondence on file.
- —Restoration
Richelsoph undertook a restoration of the car and carried out the research necessary to positively establish the chassis identity as CS/55/57, subsequently obtaining an official Cooper Car Club chassis plate.
Work carried out while the car was owned by Marc Richelsoph, prior to 2012.
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