Robert Bouharde, Chimay 1963

1961 Cooper Mk2 Formula Junior T56

FJ/21/61

Engine > Ford Cosworth Mk4 dry sump, 2 valves per cylinder,
bore 85mm x stroke 48mm, 1098cc, A6 camshaft, 9.0krpm, 110bhp.
Transmission > Inverted VW transaxle, 4 speed close ratio gear cluster.
Brakes > 8”dia x 1 ½”wide, iron lined cast magnesium drums.
Wheelbase 89”, Track 48”, Weight 412kg.

This car was originally one of the Cooper Works Team cars run by Ken Tyrrell, which were raced by John Love and Tony Maggs for the 1961 Formula Junior Championship season ~ won jointly by Maggs.

In September 1961 the car was sold to Frenchman, Robert Bouharde and given chassis number FJ/21/61 by the works, for export purposes.
Bouharde raced the car extensively until Formula Junior ceased at the end of 1963, including winning the 1962 Coupe de Paris at Montlhery.

In 1966 the original BMC engine was changed for a Ford and for 10 yrs was used for Sand Races, Hill Climbs & Sprints in Jersey, Channel Isles.
Brian Moody won the 1967 Sand Racing Championship, Ching Trophy.

A major restoration in 1978 included refitting a BMC engine, which survived until a catastrophic blow up in 1988 when the present Ford engine was fitted and the original gearbox was replaced by the VW.

Some notable former owners include Tico Martini of Formula 1 fame and Roy Lane the British Hill Climb Champion.

The car has been actively competitive for almost every year of its existence being campaigned all over Europe and also North Africa.
The present owner enjoys continuing this fine tradition with mostly Historic Racing Championships, Hill Climbs and Sprints.

The car is presented in the French period livery of Robert Bouharde.