Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Brabham BT29 Formula A
Chassis No. BT-29-22

Brabham Origins and History

Among the finest competition constructors of the twentieth century, Brabham set
a very high competition performance standard - one that unconventionally
thrived on driver courage and trackside “seat of the pants” engineering
innovations. Officially known as Motor Racing Developments Ltd., a UK
company founded in 1960 by Australian Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac (the B
and T initials designated for each chassis), the Brabham team would develop a
series of historically important racecars leading up to the BT18 model. In 1966,
just six years after opening their shop, Jack Brabham piloted the BT18 to win his
first of four Constructors’ World Championships. An amazing achievement for
any driver piloting a car of his own construction.

After BT18 construction, Brabham would go on to become the largest
manufacturer of open-wheel race cars, building more than 500 cars by 1970
including race cars that won championships in Formula Two and Formula Three,
competed at the Indy 500, and in Formula 5000 racing. Prodigious innovators,
Brabham cars were pioneers of carbon brakes, hydro-pneumatic suspension, and
in-race refueling. Brabham also developed cars with unique ground effects, clever
cooling systems, and were one of the earliest pioneers of turbocharging.

Originally derived for the 1969 racing season, a new range of single seaters
established the BT28 (F3), the BT29 (FB), and the BT30 for F2 classification
races. All three cars utilized newer, more sophisticated space-frame construction,
which would prove to be labor intensive to build, delaying output for the season.
Utilizing conventional suspension and outboard brakes, Brabham produced 29
BT29s for the American Formula B and C racing series. The 88” wheelbase B29
included tubular space-frame chassis, adjustable suspension with coil-over
shocks, and Brabham magnesium uprights, among just a few of the many
innovations built into these highly competitive cars.

History of this Brabham BT29

According to written correspondences shared with prior owners and histories
exchanged with various members of the Brabham Registry, the recounted history
of this car begins with Brabham construction as one of 19 examples built in 1969.
Though the first years of ownership are not fully documented, BT29-22 was
purchased by James Gulfruend in 1973 and sold to California based driver/owner
Archie Snider. The car was driven by Jon Miledge from August 1973-1976, though
just a few races were completed, primarily with Frank Monise Jr. at the wheel.
The next owner, Larry Wright, having written off his former BT29-44 purchased
BT29-22 to replace it. Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles, CA resident Gerhard Klose
purchased the car from Wright. Though Klose owned the car for several years he
never ran it in a competition setting.

The next owner, Doug Turner, acquired the car from Klose and retained it for
many years, actively campaigning it in numerous events spanning years of
participation in VARA events at Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, Las Vegas,
Phoenix International Raceway, Riverside, and Fontana. Finished in light blue
and white livery, and wearing #28, Turner continued to race the car until his
passing in 2004. While under Turner ownership, in November 1986, the car was
driven by Jack Brabham at the Palm Springs event (copies of photos during this
event are included with the car). The current owner, a life-long motorsports
enthusiast and performance car collector, purchased the car from the Turner
estate in 2006 and has driven and displayed the car at vintage events throughout
North America.

Current Configuration and Preparation

The current configuration includes a 2,200cc twin Weber 48DCO2 Ford
Cosworth BDA 244 dry-sump engine with Jennings intake manifold built by
expert engine builder Ed Pink. The engine is mated to a Hewland MK5 5-speed
gearbox. The tubular steel frame utilizes coil-over front and rear suspension with
10” width x 13” diameter front and 14” width x 13” diameter rear wheels running
Goodyear racing slicks with stopping power provided by four-wheel disc brakes.
The in-line four-cylinder engine puts out 280 hp with 300 lb. ft. torque.

Today this BT29 presents with proper mechanical preparation consistent with
regular care devoted to the car over the current years of ownership. The car is
finished in white, ready for the new owner's personal livery. The finishes are quite
nice and appear to have not been exposed to track use. The dramatic low stance,
high mounted rear wing, staggered width Goodyear tires mounted on 13” wheels,
polished exposed suspension and mechanical features reveal the light
construction inherent in Brabham’s purposeful engineering. The dual reinforced
roll bar is finished in gloss grey matching the chassis tubes.

The cockpit is efficient and very well laid out with important instrumentation
centrally clustered and properly marked for quick reference. Visual inspection of
the various suspension components, engine and Hewland gearbox show that
ample attention has been afforded to this car to maintain both excellent cosmetic
appearance and mechanical integrity, including correct hardware, polished
suspension components, and braided stainless lines. Removing the rear engine
body work reveals the Ed Pink built 2-liter DOHC Cosworth engine outfitted with
twin dual-throat side draft 48 DCO2 Weber carburetors and Jennings intake.
According to the owner, the engine and gearbox currently in the car have
approximately XX hours of run time.

The car is accompanied by copies of various correspondences from the former
owner including Brabham Registry letters stating the history of the car, logbooks
from prior ownership, and a notebook with reference information as well as
photos of Jack Brabham driving the car. Although this car has been

professionally prepared for vintage racing events, we encourage the next owner to
engage a professional race shop to inspect and prepare the car before spirited use
in a competition setting.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608