Chevron B16 | The Superlight Brit Victorious at its Debut

13 April 2026 Redazione News, Racing Cars

The Chevron B16 perfectly embodies the essential and highly efficient technical approach typical of the British motoring school. It is a model that any enthusiast has heard of, but perhaps never explored in depth, often focusing instead on more well-known brands. Not today. Designed by Derek Bennett and introduced in 1969, the car was developed to compete in the World Sportscar Championship and in European competitions reserved for the 2-liter class, immediately standing out for its competitiveness and engineering refinement.

From a construction standpoint, the B16 featured a tubular spaceframe chassis stiffened with aluminum and steel panels, a solution that ensured an excellent balance between torsional rigidity and weight reduction. The bodywork, made of fiberglass, was extremely compact and aerodynamically efficient, contributing to an overall weight in the range of 500–600 kg, particularly competitive for the era. Independent suspension on both axles, with double wishbones at the front and an advanced rear setup with transverse and trailing arms, provided high steering precision and stability even in endurance racing. Disc brakes on all four wheels and rack-and-pinion steering completed a technical package focused on maximum on track performance.

The engine was one of the key elements of the car. The B16 was mainly equipped with inline four-cylinder engines derived from the Cosworth family (FVA and FVC) or, in some configurations, the BMW M10. Power outputs ranged approximately between 200 and 235 hp, with high revving capability and extremely responsive throttle behavior, paired with a five-speed Hewland manual gearbox.

Thanks to its favorable power-to-weight ratio, the car was capable of impressive performance: very rapid acceleration (0–100 kph in around 4.5 seconds) and top speeds approaching 270 kph in the most extreme configurations.

Talking about motorsport commitment, the Chevron B16 made an immediate impact. Its debut took place at the 500 km of Nürburgring in 1969, where British driver Brian Redman secured an overall victory, dominating the race from start to finish and also setting the fastest lap. This exceptional debut highlighted the strength of the project and quickly cemented the reputation of the British manufacturer.

During the 1969 and 1970 seasons, the B16 continued to achieve significant results both internationally and in national championships, contributing to the manufacturers’ title in the European 2-liter Championship. Overall, the model achieved numerous victories and placings: more than 10 overall wins and many podium finishes in endurance and sprint races, with widespread appearances on circuits such as Nürburgring, Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

Among the most representative drivers, in addition to Redman, were names such as John Bridges, Digby Martland and Brian Robinson, who contributed to the development and diffusion of the car in worldwide competitions.