1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER

Bearing the name of one of motor racing’s greatest heroes, this cherished 1966 Brabham BT18B has led an interesting life, having raced successfully in Africa for many years before finding its way to Australia. One of only eight such cars produced to meet F2 regulations by Sir Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac’s establishment, Motor Racing Developments, it was initially MRD’s test vehicle. It was sold to Peter Parnell the following year to be campaigned in events in Zimbabwe and South Africa, where he secured two South African F2 championships with it in 1968 and 1969.

Powered by a mid-mounted Lotus Cosworth 1.6-litre inline-four engine, breathing through two Weber carburettors, it is coupled to a Hewland MkVI H5-172 five-speed (plus reverse) manual transaxle to help catapult its miniscule 380kg mass.

Brought to Australia in 1982, it eventually underwent a complete restoration in 1996 and continued to enjoy many track outings. It wears its original body with matching numbers, and presents well with a slight patina from age and mild stone chips, most of which have been touched up. Delving beneath the shell, its numerous details are wonderful to behold and explore, allowing an appreciation of the design, engineering and construction that MRD poured into all of their creations.

Following its restoration, it was inspected and certified by CAMS in 1997. It enjoyed progressive reconditioning and tuning until it was retired from regular race meetings in 2004, with occasional track days and weekly start-ups to keep it in running order ever since. Its clutch fluid was replaced in November 2020.

As befits a bare bones race car of the era, there is no upholstery on the racing seat, nor any padding or trimmings. This is a raw-edged classic racer that is a thrill to experience on track. The steering wheel trim has cracked with age, but is still perfectly usable, and all electrics are in working order.

Still in running condition, it has a full CAMS logbook and Certificate of Description, though will require some minor re-commissioning prior to hitting the track once again. Rolling on original looking display tyres, it will also need new rubber for safety and performance.

Included with the sale are not only freshly made spare body parts, but also the original moulds for the entire shell, along with a windscreen autographed by Sir Jack Brabham himself. Photo albums depicting the restoration and some of its race history also accompany the car.

With only some minor re-commissioning, the next custodian of this Brabham can experience the thrills of open-wheel racing in a genuine championship-winning 1960s F2 car. Sitting low and centred as you point yourself to the next braking point, with the sound of air being sucked into the four carburettor trumpets inches behind and to the right, not to mention the wail of the exhaust to the left, this Brabham BT18B will transport you back to the golden era of motor racing.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.


Car Overview

  • N/A
  • manual
  • British Racing Green / Gold
  • Black
  • 1.6L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #02699
  • private Sale
  • Perth, Australia

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1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER1966 BRABHAM BT18B - CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER
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