Old Is New Again

British Racing Motors has completed and tested the first new P15 grand prix racer since 1953. I suppose technically that makes it a 2021 P15. The powerplant is a 1.5L V16 producing 600hp at 12,000 rpm. Quite a unique (and very loud) engine, it's pushing a car of a mere 1,700 lb dry weight sporting exactly zero downforce. It's less a car and more a semi-controllable bullet.

To say that '50s and '60s tube-body Forumla One cars were dangerous is a massive understatement. Multiple drivers died every year trying keep those beasts on the track. As an incurable speed addict I'd like to say that I fear no car, but those things truly terrify me. I wouldn't drive one at race speeds on a bet, even with modern rubber on it. Men such as Jim Clark drove these cars to their limits, and like Clark were often killed by them. Just getting in and out of the cockpit was a major production for such men, being that their nuts were the size of basketballs. The official Scale of Racing Speeds, in case you've never seen it, is: Fast; Crazy Fast; Stupid Fast; Deadly Fast; '60s Formula One.

Piclick for article.