1968 Chevron B8 - FIA/HTP

The hugely-successful Chevron B8 first appeared in 1968, usually with BMW 2-litre engines but also with the Ford FVA, FVC and occasionally the Lotus-Climax. It was homologated into FIA Group 4 Sports Cars from 1 March 1968 on the basis that 50 were built (reduced to 25 in 1969). To help Chevron Cars achieve the required number (on paper), every rebuild was listed as a new car - a habit that would continue into the B16, B19 and even the B21 and, no doubt, was a practice common to other builders of limited production racing cars. In the end, 44 of the original cars were completed. Often described as one of the greatest racing cars of all time, the B8 was fast, forgiving and delightful. In common with the Lotus Elan and the BMW E30 M3, it was one of those cars that would not punish you for a temporary 'loss of talent' and would quietly sort itself out whilst you were considering 'Plan B'. Then, as now, it was capable of humiliating the top GTs in period at short circuits like Crystal Palace or Brands Indy where dicing with GT40s was a regular occurrence.

Offered here for auction at the 2023 Race Retro International Historic Motor Show is DBE-45, believed to be the only B8 to escape a racing life and was reportedly sold for road use which is supported by a "Pink Slip" and letter of authenticity. The B8 proved too difficult for even occasional road use and was soon parked up, unused and fell into disrepair before being shipped to Switzerland where it was restored and used for hill climbing. Around 2003, the old race car was brought back to the UK and professionally returned to full racing specification.

Our vendor has owned the B8 since 2012 and carried out a meticulous ground-up rebuild beginning in 2015 with new brake master cylinders, callipers, rotors, new ProLite 350, Aeroquip hoses & fittings, new purpose-moulded shatterproof acrylic windows and professionally re-wired. Also fitted was a new FIA approved fuel bag, all new NMB rod ends, track ends, spherical bearings, wheel bearings and new Koni (correct period) shocks. To finish the project off, the Chevron was professionally painted in a high-gloss red gel coat.

The B8 has had seven hours running since and comes with a zero-hours M10 BWM engine completely rebuilt to full race specification with new rods, crank, valves and guides mated to a zero-miles Mark Baily FT 200 gearbox.

Described as absolutely race ready, on-the-button and highly competitive in the right hands, this historic racer should be eligible for many prestigious events including Masters, Peter Auto, Guards Trophy and many more, and could be raced most weekends of the season somewhere. Offered with new type 2016 HTP, an additional long-range fuel tank, Lifeline Zero 360 electric fire-system, ignition system, nose and other miscellaneous running spares.