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Weslake F2 Engine

Started by RJE , Oct 13 2016 10:13

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4 replies to this topic

#1 RJE

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Posted 13 October 2016 - 10:13

While searching through some old Autosports yesterday I came across an intriguing story concerning a Formula 2 engine project which I had previously never heard of.

The magazine relates the story of a joint co-operation between Rootes and Weslake to produce an F2 engine based upon the Hillman Hunter engine block. According to the write up the project is "in an advanced stage" and a figure of 205bhp is quoted.

Has anybody heard of the outcome of the project? Did it ever see the light of day and if not what happened to it? The Autosport in question is from July 1967 so presumably the engine would be a 1600.

Not on this subject but may I add my sorrow to hearing of the far too early death of Tony Adamowicz. From 1971 I have vivid memories of Tony giving me a lift to my motel through the darkened suburbs of Los Angeles in the wee small hours of the morning at a ludicrous speed in his VW Beetle.

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#2 JtP2

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Posted 13 October 2016 - 10:52

Never heard of the project, but have you ever attempted to lift a Hunter block. Please note I said attempt.

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#3 AAGR

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Posted 13 October 2016 - 12:29

It wouldn't be the only time that a Rootes engine became a failed competition unit.

In 1968/1972-ish, Rootes, which had become Chrysler in 1970, got together with BRM to evolve a 16-valve version of the 1.6-litre Avenger power unit - really to get an engine which could match Ford-Cosworth's BDA.

It was a miserable failure, and was abandoned.

Edited by AAGR, 13 October 2016 - 16:58.

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#4 kayemod

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Posted 13 October 2016 - 15:12

It wouldn't be the only time that a Rootes engine became a failed competition unit.

In 1968/1972-ish, Rootes, which had become Chrysler in 1967, got together with BRM to evolve a 16-valve version of the 1.6-litre Avenger power unit - really to get an engine which could match Ford-Cosworth's BDA.

It was a miserable failure, and was abandoned.

True, after initial tests had been disappointing, they showed the thing to Keith Duckworth. He examined the head and laughed, told them they were wasting their time.