This year marks the 33st Anniversary on which Repco Brabham won the coveted World Championship.
Sir Jack Brabham has a unique place in motor racing throughout
the world, being both driver and constructor and using an engine
that was designed and built within 12 months.
Even more remarkable was that these engines, designed and built
in Australia, won 2 World Championships in 1966 and 1967.
At the 25th Anniversary dinner "Sir Jack"
remembered them well, as he strained to hear the gathered throng.
He claimed that his hearing was damaged by the noisy lump that
the RB workers had built. All that noise and clatter just behind
the head was their responsibility!!
This was an incredible achievement as in 1966 Australia was light
years away from the rest of the world.
Many names were associated with Repco at this time, among them
a designer called Phil Irving.
As usual with these things, the "forgotten people" were
the ones doing the behind the scenes work of actually making the
things work.
Personally the sound of a screaming V8 (8,000 RPM) was a thing
of beauty, although I don't hear so good these days either.
What a waste of talent and ability that Repco chose to discontiue
the project. Imagine what might have been if they had continued
to develop the mighty RB range, and think of the international
marketing impact that Repco and Australia would have made.
Perhaps even the Federal Government could have helped the export
drive with some support in the same way that the French Government
does through Renault. But in those days we rode on the sheeps
back. A pretty slow way to go.
For information regarding the 35th reunion (2001) contact
Don Halpin at:
Don Halpin Specialised engine services
Phone: (613) 9338 2400
or send mail to Jim Phillips
Information from the Net. You may be interested
or be able to help.
Interesting link:
Sir Jack Brabham
Brief history of Sir Jack Brabham
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MORE WANTED
Some Information or stories or Pictures????
Surely there are many people out there with stories and information
on the Repco Brabham story.
Some facts…
RB did some development work for Pontiac. Castings and other engine work did exist.
RB had an "INDY" engine.
The RB engines came in many sizes, from the 2.5litre Tasman, through to the 5litre Quad Cam.
Even the Magnesium Engine castings were done at Port Melbourne.
Frank Matich was a sight to behold in the SR5, with 600HP and untold tourque. He held the Sportscar Record at Calder for many years, and may well still hold it to this day after changes to the track.
Email Jim Phillips if you can provide more information.
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