British Racing Motors (BRM) is being revived with the construction of three new copies of the P15 V16. One of the cars goes to John Owen, the son of the BRM Formula 1 team boss.
Immediately after the war, a group of British technicians led by Harry Mundy started developing a race car. This resulted in the BRM P15 V16. A car that copied the trick of pre-war German technology from Mercedes-Benz in all kinds of technical areas. Mundy, who was primarily responsible for the project, wanted to ‘exploit’ the technology the former enemy had developed. The suspension and gearbox, among other things, were inspired by technology from the Mercedes-Benz W165. The engine developed for it was a 1.5-liter V16. Everything with a view to participating in racing and ultimately Formula 1.
The BRM V16 finally came into action in racing in 1950 and – after earlier failed attempts – was eventually able to compete in Formula 1. In the years that followed, big names such as Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio were behind. find the wheel of the ever-developing BRM. Fangio would later call it ‘one of the best driving cars’ he had ever driven. However, the BRM was not really successful; he appeared at the start of a Grand Prix only four times, made it to the finish line twice and only scored one point. Among other things, the reliability of the V16 left much to be desired, although with an output of around 600 hp and a maximum speed of 12,000 rpm it was a monster for its time.
Now, 70 years after the first racing appearance of the BRM V16, the racing car is being revived. Which means; three new copies are being built based on the original drawings. There is only one original BRM left and it will remain safely in the museum. For John Owen, the now 81-year-old son of BRM team boss Alfred Owen, it is a dream come true. He gets one of the copies and can finally experience the car himself. “I have always dreamed of hearing that sound again, somewhat selfishly, but now I can share that experience with others. To hear that V16 scream again is very special, something you will never forget.” Owen was only 10 years old when he first heard it.
The three copies to be built will be provided with original chassis numbers that were reserved in the 1950s, but have never been used. Piece by piece, the parts are made new based on technical drawings. The manufacturer Hall and Hall is already working on this. Ultimately, the three cars should be ready next year and participate in historic races. So one has already been given to Owen and his family, the other two will be offered for purchase in due course. You bet that it will be an extremely expensive story to be able to park one in your garage.