One of Formula One’s most famous historical names has made a return, but this time in the shape of a 700bhp, track-only hypercar.
Brabham, a name which has involved in motor racing for 70 years, has revealed the BT62 – a car that will be limited to just 70 units to celebrate the number of years since Formula One world champion and namesake Jack Brabham started his racing career.
The company itself was founded by Brabham and fellow Australian Ron Tauranac back in 1960, and started by competing in the Formula One world championship – in which it won four drivers’ championships, including one for Brabham himself, and two constructors’ titles.
Brabham remains the only person to win an F1 drivers’ championship with his own team.
But after the team was disbanded in 1992, the name has returned this year in the guise of Brabham Automotive – with Jack’s son David as the managing director.
At the launch of the model in London, David Brabham said: “It’s with great pride that I honour and continue my father’s legacy in revealing the next chapter in the evolving Brabham story.
“The team we have in place, and the vision it shares, provides a solid platform for Brabham Automotive to execute its long-term business strategy. Our first step to deliver on that strategy is the Brabham BT62, a car truly worthy of carrying the iconic Brabham name.”
The car itself continues the ‘BT’ nomenclature started back in 1960, and the model was revealed in the green and gold livery of the BT19 that Jack Brabham won the Formula One world championship.
At the heart of the 972kg car is a 5.4-litre V8 engine that produces 700bhp and 667Nm of torque – though performance figures have yet to be unveiled.
The BT62 has been honed to be an out and out track monster, and can develop 1,200kg of downforce from the aggressive-looking bodykit. The car sits on Michelin racing slick tyres.
Paul Birch, director of technology and engineering for Brabham Automotive, said: “Created from a blank sheet of paper, our first car takes Brabham into an exciting new era, whilst honouring and upholding the marque’s glorious past.
“Using contemporary materials, processes and technologies, and following a rigorous two-year engineering and development programme, the resulting BT62 is a car that demands total engagement and commitment from its driver, delivering immense reward and satisfaction.”
Prices for the exclusive hypercar start from £1 million, and each buyer will join the Brabham driver development programme to ensure they make the most of their purchase.
The first 35 editions of the BT62 will be decked out in the liveries of each car to win a race for Brabham in F1.