British Motor Museums

14th May 2018

The National Motor Museum is offering enthusiasts a unique opportunity to support the ongoing restoration of its legendary chassis number one 1950 BRM V16 racing car, with the chance to own one of 14 limited edition timepieces constructed from its original pistons. The historic pistons and their connecting rods originate from the BRM’s supercharged V16 engine, which made it famous during its heyday driven by motorsport aces Juan Manuel Fangio and Reg Parnell as one of the most advanced racing cars of its time.

Paul Owen, grandson of Sir Alfred Owen whose “Owen Organisation” owned and operated the British Racing Motors team from 1952-74, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the rebuild of this iconic racing car though our family trust and other activities, and the creation of these wonderfully unique timepieces is a fitting way to both recognise and preserve the integrity and ambition of a British engineering project that was way ahead of its time and laid the foundations for the successful British Motorsport sector that we have today.”

The BRM V16 was a ground-breaking racing car design with its immensely powerful supercharged 1.5-litre V16 engine amongst its cutting-edge features, while it was also the first car to use disc brakes in circuit racing. Only five examples of this pioneering British design were built, but its impressive pace and legendary roar made it a spectator favourite. The British Racing Motors company was founded by Raymond Mays and Peter Berthon, creators of the pre-war ERA car. Although the V16 was not a success on the track, it paved the way for other racing designs, with British Racing Motors gaining 17 Grand Prix victories from 1959 - 1972.

The BRM is a favourite exhibit with Beaulieu visitors and is on display as part of a collection of more than 250 vehicles on show at the National Motor Museum.

12th May 2018

1953 BRM V16

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