1973 Chevron B26
1973 Chevron B26
Brand
Chevron
Year
1973
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B26
1973 Chevron B26
Brand
Chevron
Year
1973
Country
Great Britain
Generation
B26
About this car
Discover the history
The 1973 Chevron B26 is one of the iconic Group 6 sports prototype race cars, developed by British manufacturer Chevron. Designed by Derek Bennett, the B26 was a successor to the B23, known for its sleek design and aerodynamic efficiency. It was produced specifically for endurance racing and made an immediate impact in the world of motorsport.
The B26 featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Hart 420R inline-four engine, producing around 285 horsepower. This engine was longitudinally mounted in a mid-engine configuration, ensuring a balanced weight distribution crucial for cornering at high speeds. The car was equipped with a five-speed Hewland FT-200 gearbox, a common choice for high-performance race cars of that era due to its reliability and precision. The chassis of the B26 was an aluminum monocoque, covered with lightweight fiberglass body panels, which enhanced its rigidity while keeping the weight down.
The Chevron B26’s suspension system comprised double wishbones with coil springs over dampers at the front, and a more complex setup at the rear with lower wishbones, top links, twin trailing arms, and an anti-roll bar. This advanced suspension configuration allowed the car to handle with great precision, making it highly competitive on the racetrack.
The car’s debut in 1973 was marked by success, as it quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the 2-liter prototype category. John Watson, who later became a prominent Formula One driver, and Ian Scheckter, another rising star, piloted the works B26 to significant results in the South African Springbok Series, where the car finished second in the championship. Afterward, the B26 continued its career in Europe, driven by John Lepp, with factory support, achieving multiple victories and podium finishes across the continent.
Over its competitive lifespan, the B26 accumulated 17 race wins and 17 class wins, along with 43 podiums and 9 pole positions. Its achievements in the world of endurance racing solidified its reputation as a dominant force in the Group 6 category.
The B26’s racing pedigree extends beyond its factory-backed campaigns, as it continued to be raced in historic events well into the 1990s and 2000s, setting lap records and winning races across Europe and the United States. Today, the Chevron B26 is celebrated as one of the premier sports prototypes of the 1970s, a testament to Chevron’s engineering prowess and the driving talent of those who competed behind the wheel.
