19 replies to this topic

[Vicuna]

The BT28/29/30 was aesthetically different from the BT21/23 - I suppose mainly because of the shovel nose.

What I wonder is, under the skin, was there a significant difference to the chassis and suspension.

In other words, was the new look really an update but with a cool new body or was it a much more than that?

[Cirrus]

The BT21 and 23 were, in themselves, quite different to each other. The BT23 had magnesium front uprights and wide-based top front wishbones, whereas the 21 was more like an updated 18, with Alford and Alder front uprights and narrow wishbones.

It could be argued that the 28/29/30 were developments of the 23, with a stiffer chassis and their distinctive body shape, which was quite controversial at the time. The "shovel nose" body shape was pretty effective. Developed by Ron T and ex-Vickers man Ray Jessop, it neatly faired in the mechanical components and provided a slippery shape, whilst also virtually cutting out the lift generated by many traditional "cigar tube" sixties racers. The fact that Brabhams were often able to run without wings at faster circuits, where many cars still needed tham is proof of that.

A humble 1970 BT28 on 10s and 12s, without wings, is one of my favourite racing cars. How I lusted after one when I was fourteen!

Edit:

On further thought, the BT30 must have been rather more than a BT23 in a new frock, as I don't recall many cars being entered as BT23/30 in period, implying that the changes went rather further than the glassfibre alone.

[Vicuna]

Brilliant

[David McKinney]

There was of course an F2 model between the BT23 and the BT30, namely the BT23C

[Cirrus]

And, to confuse matters further, there was the BT21X. This was, in effect, the prototype BT28 with BT21 bodywork.

[Gerard Gamand]

Just for understand
here is a pic of my BT28#27 front suspension (without spring and "amortisseur")

[Gerard Gamand]

and here a pic of my BT21B#4

You can clearly see the difference
Not, it's not me at the wheel !

[Gerard Gamand]

and now my BT30#24
You can see the similitude with BT28 suspension

[Andrew Fellowes]

Nice photos Gerard

Phil Harris' BT23C-15 ex Eduardo Copello for the 68/9 Temporada, Note the lower front suspension difference between this & the BT30

Chris Farrell's BT30-6 ex Alan Rollinson Irish Racing Cars (Bogota winner)

[M Needforspeed]

Originally posted by David McKinney
There was of course an F2 model between the BT23 and the BT30, namely the BT23C

....and the BT 23 D fitted with the Alfa Romeo 2,5 l

[Andrew Fellowes]

Originally posted by M Needforspeed


....and the BT 23 D fitted with the Alfa Romeo 2,5 l

one A, 3 Bs, 1 D, 1 E, 1 F and 2 Gs if you want to be exact ;)

and if you can tell me where BT23G-1 is I would love to know

Edit -to which I would add several others but this is one is known to be East Coast USA, ......except nobody knows who knows......

[David Shaw]

But the BT23A, D and E cannot of course be classified in with other BT23 models as they were built to Australian National Formula 1, a.k.a. Tasman Formula, of 2.5 litres.

[JBE]

The 1967 BT21B had a rare Cosworth 1500 cc SCB single overhead cam gear driven engine, owned by Bob Ilich.

There will be a photo of it shortly on our website and possibly one here if I can work out how to do it.

[Andrew Fellowes]

Originally posted by David Shaw
But the BT23A, D and E cannot of course be classified in with other BT23 models as they were built to Australian National Formula 1, a.k.a. Tasman Formula, of 2.5 litres.

The BT23Bs were 2.5 litres too,



JBE I am very happy to post that photo for you, but honestly its not difficult, its just like any computer routine.

pm sent, Andrew

[JBE]

Bob Ilich is posting a story about this photo on our website which should appear in a day or so.

[Stephen W]

Above: Nigel Pow in his Brabham-Buick BT21C at a very dank & dark Prescott in 1974.

[SR781]

What year was the Brabham Buick built ?????????????? or what year did it get the Buick motor?????

[David Shaw]

Am I right in believing that this car is the one now raced in Australian historics by Les Wright?

(I think that's his name OTTOMH)

[Andrew Fellowes]

David yes it is, it was hill climbed in the UK for many years. Its history is listed here http://www.ten-tenth...ght#post1544220

[JBE]

"The 1967 BT21B had a rare Cosworth 1500 cc SCB single overhead cam gear driven engine, owned by Bob Ilich.

There will be a photo of it shortly on our website and possibly one here if I can work out how to do it"



The story written by Bob Ilich regarding this BT21B is now on our website at

http://www.jack-brab.../yourstory.aspx