Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Chevron B23
s/n 73-23-19
Period Racing Livery

In the mid 1960s, Chevron Cars burst on the racing scene appearing to have arrived form a virtually unknown newcomer to competition venues. Yet nothing could have been further from the truth. Pioneered by Derek Bennett, a mechanical genius despite his lack of formal training, Bennett would devour track time for decades as a mechanic and apprentice, learning on the spot while working hands-on to create quick and cost effective solutions for track cars. Motivated by the new regulations and changes in racing through the early 60s, Bennett made the jump from modifying existing racecars to building his own - the B1 (1965). Over the years, Chevron cars would go on to win races in every major category all the way up to Formula One, essentially dominating the 1970s and early 80s. Considered among the very best series cars built, the Two Liter Sports Racers became some of the most competitive cars of the period, racing against highly funded teams, proving their merit at the checkered flag time and time again. Throughout the 1970s, Chevron built highly competitive small bore cars capturing wins in both sprint and endurance classes around the world, most notably, winning their class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, 1974 (B23), 1979, and 1980 (B36).

Developed as a progression of the B21 series cars for 1973, the B23 utilized Bennett’s proven space frame chassis, which allowed for quick and simple repairs, enabling moderately funded privateers to compete aggressively without worrying about the high cost of repairs. The B23 featured the more powerful Ford-Cosworth BCA-G series engine, which could be fitted with carburetors or fuel injection.

This particular B23 is documented to have been raced twice in period, most interestingly in Japan. Purchased by Kazato’s Nova Engineering Company, the car was prepped for racing where it took first in class, twice at the Fuji International Sportscar Championship September 2nd, and October 10th, 1973. It is understood that when new, the car was actually equipped with the highly desired M20 2.0L BMW powerplant. Today the car wears the livery from the 1973 racing season, handsomely and freshly restored and purposefully prepared for competition use by Dave Vegher’s Veloce Motorsports. Restoration records on file total well over $150,000. The Cosworth BDG engine has few hours logged since being rebuilt by Vergher. The car clearly has a history of having been properly cared for in a no-expense-spared fashion, raced in vintage events, and updated as needed.

The current owner purchased the car in 2004 from well-known Dutch racecar driver and racing team owner Ed Swart. The current owner raced it at various events, performing consistently, being remarkably quick, astonishingly well balanced, and beautifully sculpted. For anyone with competition desires, this B23 presents a superb opportunity to run very competitively in a field of historic racecars.

The car is currently in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically with excellent paint depicting the 1973 livery from the Japanese victories. Evidence of professional preparation and racing safety appear throughout the build. The interior remains largely original with a mixture of period and updated instruments and switches for safety and reliability. Under the hood, the engine and gearbox are properly prepared for competition and nicely detailed, again with attention to safety and reliability without significantly compromising the original Chevron design or construction.

This wonderful Chevron B23 is ready for track use, needing only new belts and tires, and of course, an eager but capable driver to compete on the track at any historic event. The sale includes a complete spare fresh Jennings Cosworth engine (over $70,000 invested to build), and an interchangeable spare front body section. Also included are FIA papers issued in 2006, and select ownership documentation. Ideal for a growing number of historic racing venues both in the USA as well as in Europe, and known for their easy to drive nature, this top-flight Chevron B23 will appeal to the perfection-minded, competition oriented racer who seeks a front running example restored by the best in the business, and accompanied by a proper spares package.

A full roster of spares is as follows:

1 Fresh Jennings Ford BDG Cosworth Engine
1 Restored nose with lights
1 Set of new wheels with mounted slicks
1 Set of wheels with mounted Avon rains
1 Set of new Avon slicks unmounted
3 Extra wheels, used
1 Used radiator support
1 Interior upholstery
1 Driver’s seat upholstery
2 Used exhaust mufflers
1 Rear body support, used
6 Used stub axles
2 Spare roll hoops
4 Used sway bars
1 Used ring and pinion
1 Used cam shaft
1 Set of used seat belts
20 (aprox) Sets of gear rations, new and used
2 Extra lay shafts
Various extra springs
4 Extra shocks, used
1 Used steering wheel
4 Used brake calipers
1 Box of exhaust collectors
6 Used A-arms
1 Set of extra pedals
Various bodywork spares

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