1969 Cosworth GP Racer

In the late 1960s, Keith Duckworth (the 'worth' of Cosworth) built a car that fully used his new DFV Grand Prix engine. The result was a four-wheel drive Grand Prix 'kit car.' The design was courtesy of Robin Herd, and assembled in Cosworth's Northampton works. The design had the cockpit positioned slightly offset, allowing for the drivelines to pass by its right-hand side and the Cosworth DFV engine turned around in the chassis to power a center differential. The engine arrangement was a traditional positioning for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The tub was a monocoque structure extended to form flared aerodynamic sections between the wheels on either side. The suspension was an unusual inboard setup.

There were several advantages to using 4WD and, of course, several drawbacks. But in the realm of racing, experimentation is often rewarded. One of the main benefits of using the 4WD system was to increase the car's traction. The design resulted in a significant proportion of the power being transmitted through the front wheels - the wheels in which steered the car.

The car proved to be faster in a straight line than most other racers. It did suffer from the additional weight. The two-wheel drive competition soon found a way to achieve the same objectives with lighter and simpler ways, meaning the 4WD project was dropped.

Only one other Cosworth four-wheel drive car is known to survive and was presented to the Donington Collection by Cosworth Engineering in 1971, together with all spare parts and components available. This vehicle was purchased disassembled from the Donington Collection. It was restored by Crosthwaite and Gardiner in the United Kingdom in 1983 before being made available to the York Motor Museum in Western Australia for display.

In 2009, this unique racer was offered for sale by Bonhams Auction at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia sale in Carmel, CA. It was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $50,000 but would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009