272 | GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
291
The ex-Brian redman, South African
Formula 1 Championship
1971 Chevron b18 ForMulA 2
MonopoSto
Chassis no. 71/4
First seen in 1967, Chevron’s first monoposto racer was a design for
Formula 3, the B7, which served as a prototype for the first such car
produced in significant numbers: the B9. Successor B15 and B17
models were as good as anything in the Formula 3 category in the late
1960s, and then for 1971 the factory came up with an design intended
for Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula Atlantic: the B18. Chevron’s
designs hitherto had used tubular spaceframe chassis, with some
stressed skin stiffening, and the B18 took this a stage further, being
a ‘semi monocoque’ built around square-section tubing. This kept
damage repair relatively simple, while a bolt-on rear sub-frame facilitated
engine changes for drivers competing in more than one category.
Previously noted for its sleekness, Chevron’s formula car took on a
more boxy look with the B18, which featured prominent wings, the front
carried above a large rectangular nose intake. The B18 whilst not at the
cutting edge of contemporary Formula 2 design was always considered
a practical and effective racing car.
The B18 had first appeared in the summer of 1970, and the following
winter the car offered here was driven by Brian Redman in two
rounds of the South African Formula 1 Championship, presumably
as a development exercise. Chevron’s works driver and winner of the
inaugural European Sportscar Championship in 1970, Redman had
retired to South Africa at the season’s end. It would turn out to be a
short sabbatical, lasting only four months.
By the time he eventually retired from full-time professional racing at
the end of 1989, the Lancastrian driver had added multiple wins in
virtually all the international endurance classics apart from Le Mans, to
an already illustrious record that included podium finishes in the Formula
1 World Championship. Resident in the USA from 1974, he won the
SCCA/USAC Formula 5000 Championship three years consecutively
from 1974 to 1976, and in 1981 was the IMSA GT Champion.Entered by Richter Motors Racing, fitted with a Cosworth FVA engine
and driven by Redman, ‘71/4’ finished 2nd in the opening round of the
South African Formula 1 Championship at Killarney on 9th January.
Redman drove the car again in the second round at Kyalami on 30th
January, posting a ‘DNF’ (engine). Thereafter, the Chevron came to
France where it competed in several hill climb events. In 1994, the car
was acquired by Dr Veit Dennert, from whom it was purchased in 1999
by the current vendor.Specialising in the restoration of classic automobiles and competition
cars, the vendor’s company completely restored ‘71/4’ in 2005, the car
is currently fitted with an FVA incorporating modifications from the later
Cosworth YB engine, running Webber carburettors and a Hewland Mark
9 gearbox. Since restoration it has competed three times at international
level. Completed but not yet submitted, a DMSB passport comes with
the car, which is described as in 1st class condition and ready for use.
£35,000 - 45,000
€44,000 - 56,000