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. First owned by California based driver/owner Archie Snider, the car was driven by Jon Miledge from August 1973-1976. Dick Snyder, San Gabriel, CA, assumed ownership after this period, though just a few races were completed, those primarily with Frank Monise Jr. at the wheel. Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles, CA resident Gerhard Klaus purchased the car. Though Klaus owned the car for several years he never ran it in a competition setting.

The next owner, Doug Turner, retained the car 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.

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.

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