1972 Chevron B21
1972 Chevron B21
Brand
Chevron
Year
1972
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B21
1972 Chevron B21
Brand
Chevron
Year
1972
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B21
About this car
Discover the history
The Chevron B21, introduced in 1972, was a 2-liter sports prototype designed for Group 5 competition by the British manufacturer Chevron, led by Derek Bennett. The car was a development of Chevron’s earlier B19 model, which had enjoyed success in previous seasons. Built on a tubular space frame chassis, reinforced with aluminum and covered in fiberglass body panels, the B21 followed Bennett’s philosophy of combining lightness and simplicity with aerodynamics. It used various engines, most notably the 2.0-liter Ford-Cosworth BDG and the BMW M12/7 engines, producing around 275 horsepower. The car’s mid-engine layout and five-speed Hewland transmission allowed for optimal weight distribution and handling.
The B21’s suspension setup, which consisted of double wishbones and coil springs with dampers both in the front and rear, contributed to the car’s agility and performance on a variety of circuits. This made the B21 a formidable competitor in sports car racing, competing in prestigious events across Europe. Despite facing competition from other well-established manufacturers like Lola and Ferrari, the Chevron B21 was able to secure several race victories, podium finishes, and pole positions throughout its career. The car achieved 23 wins, 45 podium finishes, and 11 pole positions over a 13-year racing career, marking it as a successful entry in the sports prototype category.
One of the B21’s highlights came from its flexibility, being able to compete across different races with both works and privateer entries. It often participated in endurance events, including races at famous circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring. With its compact, lightweight design and competitive engines, it was particularly effective on twisty, technical circuits, where its nimble handling could outshine larger, more powerful competitors.
The B21’s legacy lives on, both in historic racing circles and among collectors. Chevron’s cars from this era are celebrated for their engineering precision and competitiveness, and the B21 is no exception. It continued Chevron’s reputation for producing high-performance race cars that offered a balance of power and agility, allowing both professional and amateur drivers to succeed on the track. Its success laid the foundation for further development, leading to later models like the Chevron B23 and B26, which continued the brand’s strong presence in the world of prototype sports car racing.
