1976 Cheetah G601

The 1976 Cheetah G601 was a Group 6 prototype developed by Cheetah Automobiles, a Swiss-based racing manufacturer founded by Chuck Graemiger. This lightweight, 2-liter sports car was designed for endurance racing, competing primarily in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The G601 followed its predecessor, the G501, and was powered by either a BMW or Cosworth engine, which were popular choices for their balance of power and durability. The chassis was designed to be highly aerodynamic and light, essential for endurance races where speed and reliability are crucial. 

Technically, the G601 featured a mid-engine layout and was built with advanced materials of its time to maintain structural integrity while keeping the weight low. It was powered by a 2.0-liter engine, producing approximately 290 hp, allowing the car to compete against other lightweight prototypes of the era. The car was equipped with a sophisticated suspension system suited for high-speed stability on tracks like Le Mans. However, despite its potential, the G601 struggled in endurance races and was not able to finish at Le Mans between 1976 and 1979, marking a tough chapter in its racing career. 

The car’s racing pedigree includes participation in various sports car races, but it never saw significant success or classification in major events. Despite the lack of podium finishes, the G601 remains an interesting and innovative design from a smaller manufacturer attempting to challenge the dominance of larger teams. It later influenced the design of Cheetah’s Group C cars, showing the company’s ongoing pursuit of competitive motorsport engineering. The car’s involvement with teams like Walter Wolf Racing further highlighted its connection to well-known figures in motorsport, although consistent racing success eluded the G601 throughout its career. 

This car now holds a place in motorsport history as a testament to the ambition and creativity of smaller, independent racing teams in the 1970s, despite the difficulties they faced on the track.