Page 1 of 1 In 1998, Pilbeam Racing Designs announced the all-new MP84 sports racer. The specialist manufacturer had previously focused on (hill-climb) single seaters and touring cars. The newly established entry-level SR2 and LMP675 categories inspired the Mike Pilbeam run company to branch out into producing endurance racing cars for privateers.
The MP84 was built around a sheet aluminium and honeycomb monocoque. Suspension was through double wishbones on all four corners with push-rod actuated springs and dampers that were mounted in-board. A separate steel subframe was bolted to the aft bulkhead that could house a variety of engines. The power plant of choice was the Nissan three-litre V6 developed by IEX Racing, mated to a six-speed sequential Hewland gearbox. The compact MP84 rolling chassis was clothed in a curvaceous carbon-fibre composite body with a full-width rear wing.
Between 1999 and 2002, Pilbeam produced eight examples of the MP84, which were raced on both sides of the Atlantic. Among the early successes was an SR2 class win in the SportsRacing World Cup at Donington. MP84s were also raced in major events like the Daytona 24 Hours, Sebring 12 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2002, a Team Bucknum entered MP84 scored several LMP675 class wins in the American Le Mans Series.
Ahead of the 2003 season, Pilbeam created a comprehensive evolution. This MP91 was equipped with sturdier suspension and a revised rear subframe to house more powerful engines. This allowed the use of 3.4-litre units like the JPX V6 and the Judd V8. In addition to the meachnical changes, the aerodynamics were also revised. Thanks to time spent in the wind-tunnel, the downforce increased by 40% while the drag was reduced by 4%. The upgrades could be fitted to existing chassis and at least three MP84 was updated and re-numbered.
Team Bucknum in the United States upgraded two of their MP84s, while Frenchman Pierre Bruneau also campaigned his MP84-based MP91 in Europe. Now pitched against newer, more sophisticated cars in the LMP2 class, the MP91 struggled to repeat the success of its predecessor. In 2005, Pilbeam introduced the all-new, full carbon-fibre composite MP93, which was raced exclusively by Pierre Bruneau.
In addition to scoring several class wins, the MP84 and MP91 are significant as the first forays of longtime racing car manufacturer Pilbeam in international sports car racing. Page 1 of 1
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In 1998, Pilbeam Racing Designs announced the all-new MP84 sports racer. The specialist manufacturer had previously focused on (hill-climb) single seaters and touring cars. The newly established entry-level SR2 and LMP675 categories inspired the Mike Pilbeam run company to branch out into producing endurance racing cars for privateers.