1978-Chevron-B36

Description

1978 Chevron B36
s/n 36-78-05, FIA no. 36283
Orange, Black, Brown & White Modylook Lunettes Livery with Black Interior

Built from humble beginnings and minimal finances by self-taught engineering genius Derek Bennett, Chevron would become one of the most innovative and successful racecar companies ever assembled. Unlike many experts in the complex and costly world of motorsports racing, Bennett lacked any sort of specialized engineering training, college degree, or marketing savvy. His expertise, however, evolved from his combined fascination with aircraft and racing, derived primarily from his daring experiments and short-lived apprenticeships honing his skills in a range of fabrication shops. Working quickly and cleverly with just a few staff members, Chevron cars rapidly amassed race wins in every category entered, right up to Formula One, where a promising car was planned but never completed.

Chevron’s best and most successful cars were 2.0L Sports Racers. Along with Lola, Chevron cars were among the most competitive small bore sports racings cars of the 1970s, leveraging their lightweight and durable monocoque chassis construction with proven engines and astutely designed aerodynamic bodies. Both Chevron and Lola essentially dominated sprint and endurance 2.0L sports car racing, with Chevron winning their class at the famed 24 hours of Le Mans three times: 1974 (B23), 1979, and 1980 (B36). During the eleven-year production run (1976- 1987) the B36 series cars would be fitted with a wide range of engines, racing around the world amassing multiple wins. Only 21 B36 chassis were assembled and delivered to customers during this period.

According to the Certificate of Origin, chassis # 36-78-05 was completed at Chevron Racing Cars Ltd. May 1978, fitted with a Chrysler 2000 engine. The car went on to compete at Le Mans in 1978 and 1979, although didn’t finish in either event. The FFSA passport indicates two prior owners, both residing in France, recording 1982 and 1990 respectively. In 2012, racing experts at Veloce Motors West developed a Hart Star twin-cam 2.0 liter engine specifically for this car. Hart Engines, the brainchild of genius engineer Brian Hart, would build some of the most incredible and lightweight engines on shoestring budgets, beating the likes of BMW and Ferrari including powering the car that rookie Ayrton Senna would drive to his first podium finish in 1984. Generating something in the range of 340 hp at 10,500 rpm, the remarkable performance of this late specification Hart engine served as the prototype for Veloce Motors West to build Hart motors to the highest performance levels. Dave Vegher of Veloce Motors West used his 40 years of experience to build this particular example. The car encompasses Dave’s vast knowledge of 2L sports racing cars and was built while Dave was at the very top of his craft. When the car debuted in 2012, it was consistently 5-8mph faster than any competition car coming through the Laguna Seca speed traps and took 1^st place at the Monterey Historic races. In addition to the remarkable power train, the car is among the lightest in the 2 liter class to emerge from the shop. Nearly 90% of the hardware used on the car is Titanium alloy, further supported by lightweight plumbing and composite bodywork. These combined weight reduction efforts remove almost 200lbs from cars of similar classification.

In addition to the exceptional mechanical racing features included in this car, there is a full Evo 4 data gathering system discreetly mounted system mounted behind the passenger side access panel, with USB download dongle adjacent to the door hinge. Using the spare g-dash steering wheel included with the car, the next owner can choose to run the car with the full data system hidden or, using the spare steering wheel, utilize the shift lights, lap-times, and various warning lights mounted in the wheel. The car is further set up with an AiM Smartycam with automatic on/off, with all overlays currently set up for use. An FIA Historic Technical Passport, valid until December 31, 2024 for competition in FIA-sanctioned events for historic vehicles also accompanies the car.

Today the car presents beautifully with excellent paint and stunning Modylook Lunettes competition livery. The cosmetic condition of the body, paint, and lettering is of very high quality with excellent gloss and vivid color. The contrasting orange, brown, and white paint scheme offers a clean and dynamic look to one of the most visually stunning cars designed in this period. The lightweight composite bodywork sits low and tight on the chassis with an elongated and tapered rear and low wing, configured for use at Le Mans. Functional intakes and exhaust vents, and low profile aerodynamic foil, finish off the sophisticated bodywork. An integral part of the performance and stability of these exceptional racecars, the lightweight bodywork, smooth belly pans, and strategic inlets and exhaust purposefully drapes the chassis with aerodynamic efficiency. The car sits on three-piece Gotti 13” x 10” front and 13” x 14” rear wheels shod with Avon racing tires.

Inside, the cockpit is clean, simple, and properly composed. The construction has been beautifully featured with exposed rivets in the aluminum monocoque with handsome mechanical details, precision welding lines, and stunning instrumentation. A modern racing seat, up to date restraint system, and a proper fire system present nicely against the raw aluminum and satin black finishes, thoughtfully improved but still maintaining the original integrity of the car when first constructed. A properly anchored roll bar and contemporary restraint system offer greater safety and confidence in this very capable package.

Under the lightweight body sections, the beautifully finished and well-prepared monocoque alloy construction chassis employs wishbone suspension with coil over shocks and alloy dual-position adjustable telescopic dampers. The suspension is adjustable using rose joints and an adjustable spring platform. Detailing and finishes are excellent throughout inspection. In all instances, high quality materials, updated fasteners, and durable race-proven Chromate and Cadmium finishes were employed where needed, along with multiple use of Titanium alloy. The entire engine compartment has been beautifully finished with added care unifying both cosmetic presentation and mechanical integrity. The hand made and polished tuned exhaust reflects beautiful engine details from every angle. The alloy head and block Hart engine is fed by Lucas mechanical injection, electric fuel pump, breaker coil transistor ignition, and lubricated via dry sump. A five-speed FT 200 Hewland gearbox and Lockheed hydraulic 4 piston caliper alloy disc brakes are fitted at each corner. Every aspect of this exceptional car reveals not only the careful attention to detail, beauty, and craftsmanship, but also the remarkable mechanical power and performance that sits ready at your fingertips.

The car is accompanied by the FIA paperwork, FFSA Passport, a spare set of wheels shod with Avon tires, spare suspension components including springs, minor body panels, the spare steering wheel with digital readout screen, a spare seat, and several boxes of miscellaneous spare parts.

Among the most extensively prepared and magnificently configured racecars, this Chevron B36 is exceptionally configured with astonishing performance capabilities for the 2 Liter class. For anyone seeking a highly competitive vintage racecar with Le Mans history, remarkable engine performance, and FIA certification, this Chevron B36 is ready for your enthusiastic participation at vintage track events around the world.

On track photo credits:
-Conceptcarz.com
-Adam Swank
-Ultimatecarpage.com
-Motorsport.com
-Allcarcentral.com