Page 1 of 2 Next >> After constructing Formula Junior and Formula 1 cars, Brabham tentatively branched out to building sports cars in 1963. Known as the BT5, the compact machine was intended solely to be campaigned by privateers. Although at first glance altogether different machines, the BT5 actually shared the basic design and many components with the single seater racers produced by Brabham in 1962.
Brabham's first sports racer was built around a conventional multi-tubular spaceframe, which was slightly wider around the cockpit area to make room for the mandatory passenger seat. Suspension was by double wishbones at the front while at the rear reversed lower wishbones, top links and twin trailing arms were used. The engine of choice for the pair of BT5s produced was the Ford Cosworth 1.6 litre twin cam engine, mated to a Hewland gearbox.
The first BT5 was entrusted to legendary entrant Ian Walker, who fielded the new Brabham for Frank Gardner and Paul Hawkins. Australian Gardner impressed at the car's debut at Snetterton by placing fourth overal and winning his class. Later in the year, he won the Guards Trophy at Brands Hatch. It continued to be successfully raced by Peter Sachs in North America. The second example was sold to Canadian Ed Zeller, who fielded it in several European events with some success. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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After constructing Formula Junior and Formula 1 cars, Brabham tentatively branched out to building sports cars in 1963. Known as the BT5, the compact machine was intended solely to be campaigned by privateers. Although at first glance altogether different machines, the BT5 actually shared the basic design and many components with the single seater racers produced by Brabham in 1962.