1976 Chevron B34

The Chevron B34 was introduced in the mid-1970s as a Formula Atlantic race car powered by a 1600 BDA engine. In Formula 3 competition, the cars were often powered by Toyota 2-liter powerplants. The wide stance of the car gave it a reputation as being a stable vehicle, even in the wet. It did not take the works backed Trivellato run team to prove the capabilities of the B34. In the capable hands of Riccardo Patrese, the B34 was piloted to 5 wins during the 1976 season. Geoff Lees and Rupert Keegan proved their car's potential in the United Kingdom by winning five combined races during the second part of the season. Keegan, who had raced with a March 763 during the first part of the season, ended up winning the BP Championship.

Chevron B34s were sent to North America for the CASC Players Championship, where several top-three finishes were recorded by Howdy Holmes, Gordon Smiley, and Bill Brack. Unfortunately, they did not receive any outright victories. Chevron B34s also competed in South African Formula Atlantic competition with Basil van Rooyen, Tony Martin and Guy Tunmer, earning several top-three finishes.

Chevron produced 33 examples of the well-developed single-seater B34 race car. Many prominent race car drivers were tempted over to the B34, and they were very successful.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011