Repco Brabham - query as to legality in F1

[Derek Smith]

A bit obscure I'm afraid, but quite important to me.

The Repco engine fitted to the Brabham in 1966 was based on the Buick 215 Fireball block but with heads designed and manufactured by Repco.

Reports at the time suggested that the engine block was designed and built in Australia, but this was false. I assumed this was down to poor reporting. However . . .

I've been told that what Brabham did was against the then current rules so the lie was there to confuse.

Any idea what rule was breached by the Repco engine?

As I say, a bit obscure, but Google isn't my friend on this one.

[FourWheelDrift]

Not heard about any legality issues but it was based on the Oldsmobile Jetfire 215 ci block. Maybe that might help the search.

[Derek Smith]

FourWheelDrift said:

Not heard about any legality issues but it was based on the Oldsmobile Jetfire 215 ci block. Maybe that might help the search.

Thanks for that. I was aware. I've written a book on the Rover V8 and mentioned the various vehicles it was fitted to. I've been told, by someone who reckons 'I was there', that the rule existed at the time. I'm damned if I can find it though.

But then there was the Cooper Maserati, with the Tipo 9 V12, at the same time and the stock block for the BMW turbo of the 80s.

[American iv]

try getting in touch with Joe Saward - he has books on fascinating facts from F1 history. He might be able to point you in a direction?

[Derek Smith]

American iv said:

try getting in touch with Joe Saward - he has books on fascinating facts from F1 history. He might be able to point you in a direction?

Good idea. I follow his blog.

[thegreenhell]

There's nothing in the period FIA Appendix J about this that I can see. The only rule about piston engines is the specified maximum capacity. Nothing else at all. On the following pages are the F2 regulations of the time, which are far more prescriptive, and mandate that the engine block must be from a recognised production car of at least 500 units in 12 months. But that is F2 not F1.

Coincidentally, I also have Doug Nye's Autocourse History of the Grand Prix Car within arm's reach, and this includes an interesting chapter on the development of the Repco engines. Apparently they were able to purchase new Old blocks for a mere £11 each, and also utilised modified Daimler conrods procured for £7 each. Repco cast their own redesigned blocks for the 1967 season.

[Dr Z]

Technical regs 1968:

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/355F9A536... [pdf]

As above really, can't see anything there that would cast doubt on the Brabham's engine.

[Derek Smith]

thegreenhell said:

There's nothing in the period FIA Appendix J about this that I can see. The only rule about piston engines is the specified maximum capacity. Nothing else at all. On the following pages are the F2 regulations of the time, which are far more prescriptive, and mandate that the engine block must be from a recognised production car of at least 500 units in 12 months. But that is F2 not F1.

Coincidentally, I also have Doug Nye's Autocourse History of the Grand Prix Car within arm's reach, and this includes an interesting chapter on the development of the Repco engines. Apparently they were able to purchase new Old blocks for a mere £11 each, and also utilised modified Daimler conrods procured for £7 each. Repco cast their own redesigned blocks for the 1967 season.

Dr Z said:

Technical regs 1968:

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/355F9A536... [pdf]

As above really, can't see anything there that would cast doubt on the Brabham's engine.

Thanks, guys.

It was a throw-away line in my book that was picked on. I'm working on a revised edition so I was going to remove it but now I'll leave it in.

Thanks again.