Step into Formula 1 history with the 1955 Cooper-Bristol T40, a car that holds a special place in motorsport heritage. This iconic vehicle was the first Formula 1 car driven by three-time World Champion Jack Brabham and represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of racing technology with its pioneering rear-engine layout.
The Cooper-Bristol T40 combined Cooper’s T39 chassis—lengthened by 50 mm—with a Bristol 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine. This innovative design marked a significant departure from the front-engine cars of the era. Brabham’s first race with the T40 was at the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree. Despite its promising potential, the car faced numerous challenges during the race, including a damaged clutch and gearbox issues, which hindered its performance and led to an early retirement from the race due to overheating.
Although the T40’s Formula 1 debut was disappointing, its influence on the sport was profound. The car symbolized the beginning of a new era in Formula 1, heralding the transition to rear-engine designs that would define the future of the sport.
After its brief Formula 1 career, the T40 continued to make an impact in other racing events. Brabham achieved a notable 4th place at Snetterton, engaging in a memorable duel with Stirling Moss. This race, as Brabham recounted in his autobiography When the Flag Drops, was a crucial moment in his career, showcasing the car’s remarkable performance and reinforcing its significance.
Following his return to Australia and New Zealand, Brabham enjoyed further success with the T40, including a victory at the 1955 Formula Libre Australian Grand Prix. In 1956, Brabham sold the car to Reg Smith to fund his family’s move back to Europe. The car passed through several hands, including Max Stephens and Alan Robertson, who initially modified it into a sports-prototype configuration. Frank Cengia later restored the T40 to its original specification, which it retains today.
The T40’s journey continued with notable collectors such as the late Australian Kerry Manolas and Peter Hannenen. In 1992, Thomas Bscher acquired the car before his tenure as President of Bugatti, and it subsequently passed to Wulf Goetze, who raced it in historic events including the Spa Summer Classic and the Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
Recently, the T40 underwent a thorough engine and braking system rebuild at Intermat Developpement in Mougins, France, ensuring its continued competitiveness. The car is accompanied by a valid FIA Historic Technical Passport, expiring in June 2025, making it ready for entry into prestigious historic racing events.
Offered at €350,000 EUR, this Cooper-Bristol T40 is not just a piece of racing history but a testament to the evolution of Formula 1. Its presence in significant races like the Goodwood Revival and Monaco Historic Grand Prix underscores its ongoing legacy and appeal.
Source: rmsothebys.com
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