Lot 012: 1966/67 BRAHMA B2 SPORTS RACER ROLLING CHASSIS

A partnership between racer John Sharrigan and engineer Paul Fitzgerald, Brahma only ever built two cars. The first was a clone of the Peter Revson Lotus 23B that passed through the Speedway Custom Garage in Allston, Massachusetts where they were both working during the early 1960s. However, the second was a bespoke creation with which the pair hoped to contest the 2-litre class of the inaugural 1966 CanAm Series. Christened the B-2, it was based around a simple ladder-type chassis skinned with stressed panels and stiffened by semi-monocoque sidepods (the latter also housing fuel bags). Featuring specially fabricated frame fittings and four-wheel independent suspension, the sports racer was initially powered by a Fiat-Abarth 2-litre engine allied to a VW-type transaxle. The work of Sikorsky design engineer Neil Chivaroli, its unique fibreglass body was both lightweight and aerodynamic. Despite reputedly weighing just 960lbs with a full complement of fluids onboard, the car never fulfilled its CanAm potential. Like many entrants, Brahma lost interest when the organisers decided to eliminate the equal points system for over 2-litre and up to 2-litre class winners (a move prompted by George Follmer's amazing performances during the 1966 season aboard his Lotus-Porsche hybrid). Reconfigured to compete in the SCCA's B-Sports Class National Championship, the B-2 lost one of its fuel cells but gained a Ford BDA 2-litre unit and Hewland transaxle. Campaigned extensively in this guise over the next few seasons, it achieved some notable results including finishing 2nd overall (and thus beating all but one of the over 2-litre cars) at both the Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen Nationals during 1969. Still a competitive proposition some three years later, the B-2 carried John Sharrigan to the 1972 SCCA National Championship B-Sports Class title. Reportedly sold off at some stage during the late 1970s / early 1980s, the Brahma drifted into obscurity thereafter. The subject of extensive restoration work since entering the current ownership, the B-2 is understood to have been "crack tested, rewired and fitted with new fuel tanks etc". Currently lacking an engine or gearbox but benefiting from new bodywork, it is only being offered for sale due to the vendor's ill health. An exciting project that is potentially eligible for a variety of historic events, this intriguing sports racer is worthy of close inspection.