Cooper T51 #12 1:18

The Cooper T51 was produced by the Cooper Car Company, which was founded by John Cooper in Surbiton, Surrey. The launch of this new vehicle heralded the beginning of the end for single-seater front-engined racing cars. Unlike previous Formula racing vehicles used by large factory teams such as Maserati, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Vanwall, which were exclusively front-engined vehicles, the T51 was the first vehicle to feature a mid-engine directly behind the driver. In 1959, in addition to the Australian driver Jack Brabham becoming the Formula 1 world champion, the Cooper factory team also won the Constructors Championship for its outstanding performance.

Third place was won by Stirling Moss, who also drove a Cooper Climax T51. The world champion Jack Brabham also won the British Grand Prix in Aintree, where he drove a Cooper T51 with start number 12. Driven by a 2.5-litre Climax 4-cylinder engine, the T51 was also used at the beginning of 1960 Formula 1 season. Although it was replaced by the T52 over the course of the season, the T51 still contributed to Jack Brabham’s second consecutive victory and Cooper’s successful defence of the Constructors Championship.

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.