Mention the name Brabham in certain circles and eyes are bound to light up. Sir Jack, after all, was not only one of the most successful racing drivers in the history, but one of the most successful constructors, too.
In fact, he remains the only driver ever to win the Formula One World Championship in his own car – his third and final in 1966. Not even Bruce McLaren could claim that, as indelible a mark as he left on the field.
Regardless of who was driving his cars, the company officially registered as Motor Racing Developments Ltd – co-founded with designer Ron Tauranac – was immensely accomplished. It scored four drivers’ and two constructors’ championships over the course of its 30-year history. Bernie Ecclestone, Charlie Whiting, John Judd, Gordon Murray, and Ron Dennis all worked there early in their careers.
Now the Brabham name is coming back – not just to racing, but to automotive manufacturing as well. Sir Jack’s son David Brabham (a Le Mans winner in his own right) is bringing the family name back into the automotive sphere with the launch of Brabham Automotive.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of David Brabham launching his own initiative. Back in 2014, he tried to crowd-fund Project Brabham as a new racing team. But that project never seems to have gotten off the ground.
Now it would appear he’s turning his gaze, much like his father did, on constructing cars. Just what the new firm will produce, we don’t know, but we’d wager there’s some sort of road-going (or perhaps track-focused) performance automobile in its future.
Whatever the Brabhams have in store, we’re promised it “will be announced shortly.” Given the timing, we wouldn’t rule out some sort of grand presentation at the Geneva Motor Show next month, so watch this space for more.
