Description:

SUMMARY

An exceptionally significant Chevron B16 with deep period history including Jo Siffert and Arthur Blank, later restored to correct specification and now offered fully prepared and ready for top level historic racing.

DESCRIPTION

Produced in Lancashire under the ownership and guidance of the gifted self-taught engineer turned racer, Derek Bennett, Chevron Racing Cars remains one of the most remarkable success stories in international motorsport. From modest beginnings and without ever producing a road car, Chevron built machines of uncompromising purpose that consistently challenged and defeated far larger manufacturers. It was a classic 'David and Goliath' story played out on circuits across Europe and beyond, driven by ingenuity, efficiency and an almost obsessive focus on performance.

Chevron’s first car, the B1 of 1965, set the template. The letter B standing for Bennett would go on to prefix more than 47 models produced before his untimely death in 1978. By the late 1960s Chevron was at the height of its powers and in 1969 unveiled what would become its final closed cockpit sports racing car, the sublime B16. Introduced at the Nürburgring 500 kilometres, the B16 was immediately recognised as something special. It combined breathtaking aesthetics with genuine aerodynamic efficiency and formidable on-track performance.

Visually the B16 represented a clear evolution from the earlier B8, with a far more flowing and cohesive shape. The fibreglass body was originally conceived by Derek Bennett himself and later refined by Jim Clark of Specialised Mouldings, who would go on to manufacture bodies for Chevron. The result was a coupé of exceptional balance and presence, widely regarded today as one of the most beautiful sports racing cars of its era. While most B16s were built as closed cars, a single spyder was later constructed in pursuit of lower weight and increased start money in American racing, providing the conceptual bridge to the later B19.

Beneath the bodywork sat an advanced space-frame chassis reinforced with steel and aluminium panels to form a semi-monocoque centre section. Tubular subframes at the front and rear carried the suspension and mid-mounted drivetrain. Power was typically supplied by Cosworth four-cylinder engines, most commonly the FVA and FVC units, though a handful of cars ran alternative powerplants. With a Cosworth FVC of 1,792cc installed, the B16 proved devastatingly effective. On its debut at the Nürburgring in 1969, driven by Brian Redman, it took outright victory, immediately confirming Chevron’s engineering brilliance and competitive intent.

The car offered here, chassis B16 DBE 27, is one of the most storied examples of the model. Built in 1970, it was delivered new to Chevron’s Swiss agent and leading racing driver, Jo Siffert. It's believed that during this period the car was rented to Steve McQueen’s production company for the filming of the movie Le Mans, at which time it was finished in red. The car was subsequently sold to another highly talented Swiss driver, Arthur Blank, who enjoyed immediate success, winning on its debut and quickly establishing the car as a formidable competitor.

During its early career the car suffered an accident and was later rebuilt, being converted into B19 spyder form for the 1971 season, reflecting the widespread shift away from closed cockpit sports cars at the time. In this guise it was campaigned by Arthur Blank and entered for major events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, although it did not ultimately take the start. The car continued to race through 1972 in Interseries events, hill-climbs and endurance races, including appearances at Hockenheim and Interlagos, before evolving further into a later Chevron specification - the B21 built in 1973. Identified as Chevron Spartan P271 chassis number one, the car was raced during the 1973 season, before sustaining front end damage. Blank sold the car to Gerhard Kobler who repaired the front section and raced the car at various events through 1974 and 1975 – using a combination of 1,300cc, 1,600cc, 2,000cc and even turbocharging. The car crashed in 1975 and Kobler kept it until being sold to a Swiss collector who rebuilt it, fitting a Cosworth BDA engine and gained FIA HTP papers in 1991, which remain in the history file. 

In 2009, noted Chevron specialist and enthusiast Vin Malkie undertook a comprehensive restoration, returning the car to correct B16 specification using a replacement Chevron chassis and period correct bodywork finished in Arthur Blank’s 1970 colours, FIA HTP papers were issued which remain on file. Importantly, the original B21 chassis used during the car’s evolution is included in the sale and will be available for collection by the successful purchaser. It should be noted that another Chevron displays chassis number #27 and was reportedly constructed in 2012, however, The B16 offered at our Race Retro auction retains its own distinct and well documented identity supported by an extensive history file.

Purchased by our vendor, an experienced and respected historic racer, in 2013, the car has been actively enjoyed and carefully maintained. It is powered by a Ford Cosworth FVC engine built by the renowned specialist Geoff Richardson and has recently benefited from an engine refresh and full season check over by MDV Specialist Engineering. Sabelt harnesses are fitted and valid until 2030 and the plumbed fire extinguisher system is in date. Offered with current FIA HTP papers and recent expenditure, the Chevron is fully prepared and ready for the 2026 season.

With its exceptional provenance, striking presentation and unquestionable competition pedigree, this Chevron B16 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic British sports racing cars of the golden era, a machine that perfectly encapsulates Derek Bennett’s uncompromising vision and Chevron’s enduring legacy.

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