Rover BRM
Graham Hill, 1965 Le Mans 24 Hrs
Development started in 1962, with the first version seen at the April '63 Le Mans test day. The chassis was based on a BRM P57 F1 car, and it featured open-top bodywork. It ran in the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hrs, although it wasn't included in the final results. It was rebodied into the version seen above, and entered the race again in 1965. Rover withdrew from automotive turbine development, and the car didn't race again.
| Development period | 1962-65 |
| Number built | 1 car (original open-top car rebodied for '64 with coupé body) |
| Chassis Design by | Tony Rudd |
| Body Design by | William Towns |
| Chassis |
| Type | Multi-tubular space frame (widened '61 BRM P57 F1 chassis) |
| Body | Aluminium panels built by Motor Panels Coventry, Ltd. |
| Drag coefficient | 0.32 |
| Engine |
| Model | Rover Gas Turbines Ltd. 2S/150R |
| Type | Single centrifugal compressor, single radial inflow turbine, single axial power-
turbine with Owens Corning ceramic heat exchangers. Single combustion chamber. |
| Capacity | Equivalent to 1600cc as per FIA regulations. |
| Max Power | 126 bhp @ 63500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 267 lbs./ft (362 Nm) |
| Max Compressor rpm | 64000 |
| Max Power Turbine rpm | 47000 |
| Starter | Electric Motor |
| Ignition | High Energy Ignitor |
| Fuel System | Piston Fuel Pump with Centrifugal Governor and Temperature Control |
| Other |
| Gearbox | Single-speed B.R.M with neutral and reverse. |
| Suspension, Front | Unequal length wishbones, Armstrong dampers, anti-roll bar. |
| Suspension, Rear | Single top link, two parallel links, Armstrong dampers, coil springs, anti-roll bar. |
| Brakes, Front | 11" Dunlop |
| Brakes, Rear | 10" Dunlop |
| Wheels, Front and rear | 15" Light Alloy Centre Knock Off Dunlop |
| Tyres, Front | 5.50J x 15" Dunlop Racing |
| Tyres, Rear | 6.50J x 15" Dunlop Racing |
| Steering | B.R.M. Rack and Pinion |
| Performance |
| Top speed | 229 km/h/142 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 11.3 Seconds |
| 30-50 mph | 4.0 Seconds |
| 50-70 mph | 5.4 Seconds |
| Fuel consumption | 14.2 mpg overall (Esso Blue) |
| Weight | 823 kg |
| Fuel tank | 24 Imp gallons (109 Litres) |
The 1963 open prototype.
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