1965 Brabham BT15

Sold for $44,000 at 2008 Automobiles of Amelia Island, RM Auctions.
Ron Tauranac and Jack Brabham formed Brabham Racing Developments in early 1960. The purpose of the company was to create single-seater and sports racing cars. A long-term goal was to compete in Formula 1. Within a few years, the company was offering three rear-engine, single-seat race cars that were very similar in terms of specifications, but differed in engine and gearbox choices. These became known as the BT14 'Formula Libre' the BT15 F3 car also known as Formula C and the BT16 F2 car. Between 1965 and 1966 a total of fifty-eight examples of these single-seater race cars were constructed. Forty-two major race victories were earned in 1965 at the hands of drivers such as Pike, Courage, Ahrens, Williams, Irwin and others.

This car is BT#11 which has been restored to concours quality, while much of its equipment was preserved and remains original. It has a tubular frame, Girling disc brakes, a four-speed gearbox, and a Cosworth MAE 1100cc engine. It has its original Smith gauges including a mechanical tachometer.

In 2008 this 1954 Brabham Formula C BT15 was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $40,000 - $50,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for $44,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008