1973 Chevron B23/M36

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Chassis No: B23-73-25/M36-76-05
Mot Expiry: N/A

- Reputedly factory upgraded with B36 specification bodywork in 1976

- Campaigned on both sides of the Atlantic in 1600cc and 2000cc guises

- Most recently prepared by Racing Fabrications and 'on the button'

- Outright winner of the Martini class at the 2013 Oulton Park Gold Cup

- Last raced at Hockenheim during 2014

Further Info:

David Gordon's book 'Chevron, The Derek Bennett Story', lists chassis B23-73-25 as being the penultimate of 23 Chevron B23 frames constructed in 1973, and originally intended for use in the FIA Championship of Makes and South Africa's popular Springbok series; although there are no known records of it actually appearing in either.

According to information supplied to the vendor by its previous keeper, this Chevron returned to the marque's Bolton factory in 1976 where it was enhanced with a roll cage and B36 specification bodywork. The B23 employed a tubular chassis frame, whereas the B36 utilised a monocoque structure. As such the upgrade would have been aerodynamic rather than structural. Nevertheless, we are informed that (a) the changes were sufficient for a second identity to be issued - M36-76-05 (the 'M' perhaps standing for 'Modified') - and (b) both relevant chassis plates accompany the car. We also understand that there is another B23 numbered as B23-73-25 extant in the USA and a B36 numbered as B36-76-05 (and underpinned by a monocoque chassis) resident in the same country. Following its modifications the re-bodied B23/M36 is believed to have been actively raced in Europe, including rounds at Mugello and Vallelunga. Between 1981 and 1988 it was campaigned with a 1600cc rather than 2000cc Ford unit driving through the current FG400 Hewland transaxle; though the lighter FG200 option would have sufficed. It was then apparently campaigned in Italian hillclimb events before being extensively restored by a noted Italian race shop - this work included the fitment of new floors, Lockheed braking system, starter motor, small capacity (hillclimb-sized) fuel cell, plumbing and paintwork.

In 1999 title was assumed by a Mr Tom Black of Portland, Oregon, who imported the Chevron to the USA. He evidently contested one race at the Portland International Raceway that year, as well as replacing all the previous bodywork with new lighter components and supplanting the 1600cc engine with a 2000cc 12-bolt crank Cosworth BDP unit. During the ensuing year the Chevron changed hands once more and, despite the extensive work recently carried out in Italy, the new keeper set about a no-expense-spared restoration via West Coast expert Neil Porter. Safety, competitiveness and reliability were his watch words, and he had the entire suspension renewed or overhauled and the Hewland transmission fully renovated by Taylor Racing. The halfshafts were also attended to. However, the major change concerned the replacement of the existing Cosworth engine with a state-of-the-art Geoff Richardson example, purchased on the owner's behalf by Arnie Loyning at a cost reputedly exceeding $50,000 - this unit is understood to have produced 294bhp @ 9,000rpm. It was in this guise that the car was offered for sale by well-known Californian car specialist Fantasy Junction.

At this stage the Chevron was acquired by the current keeper, who repatriated it in 2010 and obtained its MSA Historic Technical Passport the following year. The most recent bout of preparation has fallen to Ian Jones of Racing Fabrications and the Chevron is these days powered by a Craig Beck-prepared Cosworth BDG unit. After successful outings at Dijon and the Oulton Park Gold Cup in 2013 where it won outright in the Martini class, the sports racer's most recent race was at Hockenheim last year. Nevertheless, this splendidly-presented Chevron is reportedly 'on the button' and ready to propel a new keeper to success on the circuits. Finished in a striking Blue and Yellow livery, chassis B23-73-25/M36-76-05 comes complete with all relevant paperwork.

The story of Chevron Cars Ltd is one of success and tragedy. It was founded in 1965 by Derek Bennett, an intuitive but largely self-taught engineer and talented amateur racing driver. Lancashire born and bred, he graduated from an interest in stock cars to building an 1172cc Ford-powered special and then a successful Clubmans car; the demand for replicas of which kick-started his career as a constructor. The marque's heyday was from the late 1960s and the birth of the immortal B8 to the Bennett's untimely death in a hang gliding accident in 1978. Its greatest successes came in the 2-litre sports racing category, and Chevrons won their class at Le Mans no less than three times - 1974 (B23); 1979 and 1980 (B36); ie with exactly the models embodied by chassis B23-73-25/M36-76-05.