1975 Chevron B31
1975 Chevron B31
Brand
Chevron
Year
1975
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B31
1975 Chevron B31
Brand
Chevron
Year
1975
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B31
About this car
Discover the history
The 1975 Chevron B31 was part of Chevron’s series of successful endurance and sports cars designed for Group 6 racing. Chevron, under the leadership of Derek Bennett, was renowned for producing lightweight and agile racing machines, with the B31 being an evolution of this philosophy. It was a sports prototype designed primarily for the World Sportscar Championship (WSC) and was powered by a variety of engines, including Cosworth and Hart units, depending on customer preference. One of the most common engine configurations for the B31 was the 2-liter Cosworth FVC, a popular engine choice for endurance racers of the era. Some teams also opted for larger 3-liter engines, such as the Cosworth DFV V8, known for its Formula One pedigree.Â
The Chevron B31’s chassis was a spaceframe design, which contributed to its relatively low weight, enhancing its agility and speed on technical circuits. The car featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a low-slung profile, typical of Chevron’s designs, which helped it slice through the air on high-speed tracks. Its suspension system, also well-regarded, ensured that the B31 could maintain excellent handling characteristics, even under the stresses of endurance racing.Â
In terms of racing pedigree, the B31 had a challenging debut in the 1976 World Sportscar Championship, where it faced stiff competition from more established manufacturers. The car struggled with reliability in its early outings, with engine failures, crashes, and mechanical issues marring its early races. For example, at the Nürburgring 300 km, none of the entered B31s managed to finish the race due to various issues, including an engine failure before the race even started. Despite these setbacks, the B31 showed flashes of its potential in non-championship races and in the British Sports Car Championship, where it secured victories at circuits like Thruxton and Zolder.Â
By 1977, the B31’s fortunes began to improve, with Chevron teams managing to finish races in the World Sportscar Championship. At the 500 km of Monza, two B31s managed to finish the race, with one taking victory in its class. The car continued to compete in various endurance and sports car championships, both in Europe and elsewhere, establishing a modest but respectable record in international competition. Its lightweight construction, versatile engine options, and competitive handling made it a favorite among privateer teams during the mid-1970s. The Chevron B31, while not as dominant as some of its contemporaries, remains a respected machine in the annals of sports car racing history.Â
