1954 Connaught Type B
Connaught Type-B chassis 'B4' is a 1954-built British Grand Prix car powered by a 2,470cc twin-cam Alta four-cylinder engine, one of a batch of seven such cars produced for private entrants. Originally campaigned by the Rob Walker Racing Team in 1955–1958, it was driven by Tony Rolt, Jack Fairman, Peter Walker, Reg Parnell, and Verdun Edwards at events including the British Grand Prix at Aintree, Syracuse, and Pau. Since 2010 it has been maintained by historic racing specialist Michael Hibberd and raced at Goodwood and the Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleEstimate £300,000 – £350,000
- 1955 → 1958Acquisition unknownRob Walker Racing Teampartial documentation
The team ran the car throughout the 1955–1957 seasons and into 1958, with various drivers including Tony Rolt, Jack Fairman, Peter Walker, and Reg Parnell. The car still carries Walker's signature livery colours.
- 2010 →Acquisition unknownCurrent owner since 2010full documentation
The car has been professionally maintained and raced under this ownership by specialist Michael Hibberd, with a history file of invoices and supporting documentation. FIA Historic Technical Papers were held but expired at end of 2025.
Competition
- 1955Formula 11955 British Grand PrixDriver: Tony Rolt
Race held at Aintree circuit.
- 1958Aintree raceDriver: Verdun Edwards
Understood to be the final event of the car's period competition history.
- —Grand Prix de Syracuse
One of several further Grands Prix contested during the Rob Walker Racing Team era; exact year and driver not specified.
- —Grand Prix de Pau
Contested during the Rob Walker Racing Team era; exact year and driver not specified.
- —Goodwood Festival of Speed
Appeared on multiple occasions under current ownership.
- —Monaco Historic Grand Prix
Raced under current ownership; noted as confirmation of the car's eligibility at the highest tier of historic motorsport.
- —Goodwood historic events
Raced on multiple occasions at Goodwood during current ownership.
- —Historic Grand Prix Cars AssociationHGPCA events
Participated extensively in HGPCA-sanctioned racing under current ownership.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationMichael Hibberd
Comprehensive mechanical restoration encompassing a complete rebuild of both the engine and gearbox, with the addition of a fifth gear. Total expenditure was approximately £150,000.
Carried out during the current ownership period; exact date not stated.
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