The Brabham BT44B is regarded as one of the most iconic Formula 1 cars of the 1970s. Its concept was an evolution from Chief Designer Gordon Murray’s first Formula 1 car, 1973’s BT42.
Given a free-hand from the day Bernie Ecclestone took over at Brabham, Murray’s BT44, that raced in 1974, featured one of the first innovations for which he became renowned – the first Formula 1 car with pull-rod suspension, something that has become standard in Grand Prix racing since.
The BT44 further evolved for 1975, with a ‘B’ version. Like many of its rivals the BT44B was powered by the trusted 3.0-litre V8 Ford-Cosworth DFV, with a five-speed Hewland gearbox. However, besides the cutting-edge suspension, Murray concentrated on making a simple car, with its unique triangle-profiled tub. Murray later said, “I love styling. I couldn’t bring myself to make an ugly car.”
The team’s drivers were Argentina’s Carlos Reutemman and Brazilian Carlos Pace. At the first race, Reutemann pleased his home fans with a third-place podium finish. At the next race at Interlagos, Brazil, Pace sent his home crowd into euphoria winning his one and only Grand Prix. That win is still recognised, the circuit named Autódromo José Carlos Pace in the young Brazilian’s honour.
Reutemann took his only win of 1975 at the fearsome 14-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife, but was a regular podium visitor with two seconds and three third places, ending up third overall in points. Pace scored a further two podiums, but a wretched run of retirements left him sixth in points. Brabham, with its BT44B, finished second in the Constructors standings, behind Ferrari.
Specifications
Weight: 550KG
Engine: Cosworth 3-Litre V8 460 HP
Chassis Numbers: BT44B/1 to BT44B/4
Races: 14
Wins: 2 (Germany / Brazil)
Drivers: Carlos Reutemann / Carlos Pace
Sponsor: Martini
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Displayed courtesy of Club member Professor Gordon Murray CBE to celebrate the Club’s Annual Motoring Dinner with Bernie Ecclestone.
On display from Monday 24th February to Sunday 1st March 2020.