1976 Chevron B36

Chevron's 2-liter contender for the 1976 season was the B36 spyder, the final evolution of the aluminum monocoque sports racer which dated back to the B26. They had longer bodywork and a variety of powerplants were used, but commonly fitted with Cosworth or Mazda rotary engines. Produced through 1978, approximately 21 examples were built.

The Alpine A441-Renault had swept the 1974 European 2-Liter Championship, winning all nine races. Only two races were run the following year as the championship was canceled due to rising fuel costs. The following year, the FISA established new rules for a Group 6 category of prototypes. It combined cars from the 2-Liter European Championship with larger-engined prototypes which had run in the World Championship for Makes. The 2-liter sports car raced alongside sports prototypes with 3- to 5-liter engines. Although this was called a World Championship, only one race was held outside of Europe in 1976. The following year, all of the races were within Europe.

The 3-Liter Porsche won every event in 1976 while Osella's 2-liter cars were second in the Manufacturer's Championship. Alfa Romeo's 3-liter cars won all eight rounds in 1977 and the Osella was once again successful in the 2-Litre category.

Among the B36 accolades were class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1977, 1978 and 1980. The death of company founder Derek Bennett meant a replacement for the B36 was never produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020