Early Brabham history

[Chris Chilcott]

Hi everyone,
I found this site via a Google search which threw up a copy of a press notification regarding an accident at Sandown Pk on 27 Feb 1966, where 30 spectators were injured after a Repco Brabham driven by Kevin Pinkstone crashed. I own that particular car - Repco Brabham BT2 chassis FJ-8-62, Formula Junior ex works 1962 car driven by Frank Gardner, then Len Deaton, Barry Collerson before Kevin Pinkston, then John Mellen. I am researching its history so any help with programmes, race reports or photos much appreciated!

[Everso Biggyballies]

Hi and welcome Chris.

Re your car (more the crash than the car) there is some info in the forum regarding it posted in our "Openwheel Crash Thread" here: viewtopic.php?p=318064#p318064 There is a rather graphic picture and a copy of a news telegram plus some other info a couple of posts down from the link. Also a link to to the (Melbourne)Age newspaper account. There is also a link to the cars history at oldracingcars.com

Im not sure what the access rules are to this section.... you might need a few posts in the general forum area to be able to access it. Of course you may also have access to that info. As I say it is more crash related than a car history.

[Chris Chilcott]

Thanks for reply - I can't access that yet but am working on more posts! It was a google search which threw up a copy of the telegram you refer to which led me to this site. Thanks Chris

[hollie3sa]

Since the car was mostly (exclusively?) raced in Down Under, I can only recommend this Facebook group which you've recently joined:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/190760908334658/

The members are very knowledgeable and helpful. I'm certain there are plenty of members that have seen the car racing and probably even taken photographs of it.

[Everso Biggyballies]

@Chris Chilcott, are you based in Aus by any chance, given the history of the car?

[Chris Chilcott]

No I am based near Aberdeen, Scotland. The car went to Australia with Frank Gardner in late 62, it was sold to the USA in 1999/2000 in crates following a big accident. Rebuilt in USA and returned to the UK circa 2009.

[hollie3sa]

Do you know whether the car was also raced in New Zealand?

[Chris Chilcott]

No never in New Zealand. I have a pretty comprehensive list of all the events it competed in and am in the process of getting copies of race programmes and race reports for the events I know about. I bought a full set of Autosport for 1962 and also a set of Motor Racing - the magazine of the BRSCC again for 1962. Jack Brabham used to write a feature for the later each month so I found out a lot from this source.

[hollie3sa]

@Chris Chilcott

Have you made any progress?