Description:

1972 Chevron B20 72-2

The iconic B20 72-2. On May 6, 1972, star driver Peter Gethin won the International Pau Formula 2 race in this very car, the Chevron B20 72-2. That victory marked the elevation of Derek Bennet’s Bolton-based Chevron marque from a popular and tremendously effective sports-racing car manufacturer to an all-round force within the motor racing marketplace.

In total; 11 Chevron B20’s were built and only 4 were built as Formula 2 (F2) cars.

Bridge Classic Cars are proud to offer the very car that made motor racing history. Collected directly from the Chevron workshops just outside Bolton and personally handed over to us by one the original Chevron technician’s Steve who personally built and continued to work on the car from the 1970’s to recent times.

Although dry stored for many years, the car is complete but will require expert recommissioning prior to running once again.

All of the history and information on the car has been confirmed and verified by Tim Colman, Managing Director Chevron Heritage and Official Chevron Historian.

History of the Chevron B20 72-2 

The car featured in the Formula 2 scene in 1972, raced by Peter Gethin and Vic Elford. The greatest success being with Gethin behind the wheel, winning at Pau on May 6th, 1972.

The car was also raced by John Watson with a 1900cc Cosworth FVC in the Rothmans 5000.

*Not officially confirmed but a close friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Nick, is an engine specialist, with a good understanding and encyclopaedic knowledge of race car engines. From images alone, he believes the engine installed is that of a very early Cosworth. Not that the car and its engine would ever be separated but the engine alone holds a huge value on today’s market.

The Chevron B20 72-2 is believed to be the car leased by Ed Reeves for David Morgan to race in the Torneio do Brasil at the end 1972. Unfortunately, the history books claim that Morgan crashed in practice at Interlagos when the car hit the Armco barrier head on, luckily stopping just before the cockpit. The car was described as ‘extremely badly bent’ and a fortunately unhurt Morgan had to be cut out of the car. Although originally thought to be irreparable the car is with us now having been fully rebuilt.

This car has has just 3 owners in its life-time, 2 of which have been Chevron themselves. The car was sold by Chevron, after its rebuild, to Alex Lowe who actually bought 3 B20’s from the factory. Alex was a fast British Club Racer who competed in the British Formula Four championship – winning it in another of his B20’s in 1977.

Roger Andreason and Tim Colman bought all of the B20’s back from Alex Lowe in 1986 and this car, along with a Formula Atlantic version were placed in the “Chevron Collection” where they stayed until Rogers’ death in 2019.

The Formula 3 (F3)  version was restored and sold by Chevron in 1990 and is still racing today.

Not only did Peter Gethin win the Formula 2 (F2) race at Pau in 1972 but this was the first Chevron win in an International Formula 2 (F2) Championship Race

It has recorded a total of 15 races and has been driven by: Peter Gethin, Vic Elford, John Watson and David Morgan. The first race appearance being at Mallory Park (R1) on May 12th 1972.

History of the Chevron B20

The Chevron B20 was Chevron’s 1972 single-seater design, intended for Formula 2 (F2), Formula 3 (F3) and Formula B, but designed primarily for F2. It was panelled spaceframe based largely on the B18 but with a full-width ‘sports car’ nose.

Derek Bennett completely rethought the aerodynamics of the B18, and replaced its front wing with a full-width nose which was essentially a squared-off version of the front of the company’s B19 sports car.

Although Chevron got credit for introducing the ‘sports car nose’ to F2, the Surtees TS10 also had the same style of nose from the start of 1972, and it had been Tyrrell that had first introduced a Porsche 908/3-inspired nose to single-seaters when such a ‘bluff’ nose was added to Jackie Stewart’s Tyrrell 003 in June 1971.

Chevron’s continuing success in sports car racing ensured some customers were found for the new single-seater design. Fred Opert, the US agent, bought cars for Formula B customers Jim Grob, Bobby Brown and Brian Robertson, and in early 1973 sold a fourth car to Peter Ferguson.

Pierre Maublanc was now the French agent and bought one car for himself, which proved to be very effective in French hill climbs. Also a car was sold to the far east for the 1600cc twin cam formula.

In the UK, singleton cars were sold for Formula 3, to Chris Skeaping, and for Formula Atlantic, where Bobby Howlings bought a car for John Lepp to race.

Skeaping’s Vegantune-engined F3 car was unsuccessful, but Lepp was more competitive in Formula Atlantic, winning one round of the British series at Croft in August.

But most of Chevron’s focus was on the Formula 2 project, our B20 72-2 where Peter Gethin drove the works entry and won at Pau in early May 1972.

A second F2 car was finished off in time for John Watson to race at Oulton Park in September.

A very rare car, believed to be the original and iconic Chevron B20 72-2, direct from the Chevron workshops. Authenticity verified by Chevron Heritage and official Chevron historian, Tim Coleman. We welcome interested parties, keen to own a piece of motor racing history.

Company Details

In the heart of Bentwaters, a former Royal Air Force station, lies our showroom. Viewing strictly by appointment only. Our showroom is home to a selection of the finest classic cars we’re proud to present for sale. 

Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays can be arranged. To arrange a viewing please call Craig on 01473 742038 or email info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk . Finance can be arranged by a third party. A 10% non-refundable deposit will be required to secure the vehicle.

Website:

https://www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/product/1972-chevron-b20-72-2/

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