1969 Chevron B16
1969 Chevron B16
Brand
Chevron
Year
1969
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B16
1969 Chevron B16
Brand
Chevron
Year
1969
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B16
About this car
Discover the history
The 1969 Chevron B16 is a standout in motorsport history, known for its lightweight design and aerodynamic efficiency, making it highly competitive in the 2-Litre European Sports Car Championship. Developed by Derek Bennett of Chevron Cars Ltd., the B16 featured a steel spaceframe chassis enhanced with aluminum panels to create a semi-monocoque structure, which significantly reduced weight. The car’s bodywork, crafted from fiberglass, was designed by Jim Clark of Specialised Mouldings, offering a sleek and streamlined profile ideal for endurance racing.
Powered by either a 1.8-liter Ford Cosworth FVA engine or a 2.0-liter BMW four-cylinder engine, the B16 delivered robust performance. It was lauded for its exceptional balance, lightweight construction, and mid-engine configuration, which provided excellent handling dynamics. The combination of the car’s relatively low weight and powerful engines allowed it to compete effectively in its class, challenging even the most established manufacturers of the time, such as Porsche and Lola.
The B16 debuted at the Nürburgring 500km in 1969, where it made an immediate impact by defeating a field of Abarth 2000s. The victory established the B16 as a serious contender in the racing world. Over the 1970 season, drivers like Brian Redman and John Burton achieved multiple wins and podium finishes, reinforcing the car’s dominance. Notably, Redman secured victories at prestigious tracks, including Paul Ricard, Nürburgring, and Spa, while Burton added triumphs in Finland and Sweden.
Despite its initial success, the closed-top B16 soon faced competition from lighter, open-topped prototypes such as the Lola T210, which outperformed it in some races. As a response, Chevron developed an open-top version, the B16 Spyder, which secured the championship in the final race of the 1970 season. Although the Spyder’s success signaled the end of the B16 coupe’s competitive life, it cemented Chevron’s place in the world of endurance racing.
Only 23 units of the B16 were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after vehicle in the historic racing scene today. Its legacy endures, as many original examples remain in active competition, often seen in vintage racing events. The B16 not only showcased Chevron’s engineering prowess but also demonstrated the company’s ability to challenge major manufacturers in top-level motorsport.
