1964 Brabham BT8
- Engine
- 2.5L inline-four (Coventry Climax FPF), ~232 bhp
- Colour
- Green and gold
This Brabham BT8, the last of twelve chassis built, is a 1964-specification sports-racing car derived from the BT5 Formula Junior and designed by Ron Tauranac on a rigid spaceframe. Delivered new to the John Willment team in 2-litre Coventry Climax FPF form, it was campaigned by Tony Dean throughout 1966 with several podium finishes in British events. Subsequent owners raced it across Europe and North America into the 1970s, after which it entered American vintage racing circles, receiving a full restoration and later an engine rebuild. It carries an FIA Heritage Certificate and is accompanied by extensive documentation.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$184,800
- → 1966Factory deliveryJohn Willment (Willment team)partial documentation
London-based entrant who received the car in 2-liter configuration; his team had prior Formula One involvement with Brabham machinery. Tony Dean drove for the team during the 1966 season.
- 1967 →Acquisition unknownPeter Crossleypartial documentation
Campaigned the car himself over four seasons, entering events across Britain, Europe, and Scandinavia. Final contemporary competitive appearance was at Jarama.
- 1974 → 1984Acquisition unknownRichard Thwaitespartial documentation
British Chevron specialist who acquired the car after its active racing career concluded; subsequently sold it across the Atlantic.
- 1984 → 1992Private saleDon Oroscopartial documentation
Well-known American vintage racing figure who brought the car to the United States and undertook a restoration of it.
- 1992 → 2007Private saleRobert McClenaganfull documentation
Knoxville, Tennessee owner who had the car refinished in the Brabham team's green and gold colours and used it regularly at SVRA events; logbooks on file document this activity through 2007.
- 2013 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignorfull documentation
Kept the car in track-ready condition; commissioned a full engine rebuild by Savanna Race Engineering in 2017 and had the gearbox and brakes serviced in 2015. Supporting documents and spare parts accompany the car.
Competition
- 1966Lavant Cup at GoodwoodDriver: Tony Dean2nd overall
Runner-up behind Mike Spence in a Parnell-entered BRM.
- 1966RAC Tourist Trophy at Oulton ParkDriver: Tony Dean2nd overall
Finished behind Denny Hulme's Lola T70.
- 1966Wills Trophy at CroftDriver: Tony Dean3rd overall
Behind the Lola T70s of John Surtees (winner) and Hugh Dibley.
- 1967Guards Trophy at Brands HatchDriver: Peter Crossley2nd overall
- 1969Martini 300 at SilverstoneDriver: Peter Crossley12th overall
- 1969Jyllandsringen race, DenmarkDriver: Peter Crossley10th overall
- —Vila Real 6 HoursDriver: Peter Crossley
One of several international events entered by Crossley during his ownership period.
- —Gran Premio MugelloDriver: Peter Crossley
- —Nurburgring 500 KilometresDriver: Peter Crossley
- —Jarama 6 HoursDriver: Peter Crossley10th overall
Described as the car's last appearance in period competition.
- —SVRASVRA events (multiple)Driver: Robert McClenagan
Regular historic racing participation documented in onboard logbooks from the period of McClenagan's ownership through 2007.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1984Restoration
Full restoration carried out by or under the direction of Don Orosco following his acquisition of the car.
- 1992Bodywork
Car refinished in Brabham team colours of green and gold during Robert McClenagan's ownership.
- 2015Mechanical
Hewland HD5 gearbox serviced and Girling disc brakes behind the magnesium wheels attended to.
Work carried out under current ownership; invoices retained.
- 2017Engine rebuildSavanna Race Engineering
The 2.5-litre Coventry Climax FPF engine was fully rebuilt using a UK-sourced block; dynamometer testing recorded approximately 232 bhp, after which only limited running-in use has occurred.
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