Brabham BT49T

"Ghost Dog - For the kittens" (Ghost-Dog)
10/28/2013 at 22:52 • Filed to: None

The car was initially designed in 1979 as a short notice replacement for the team's Alfa Romeo-engined BT48, after Brabham team owner Bernie Ecclestone decided to end his relationship with the Italian engine manufacturer. The BT49 was created in only six weeks using elements of the BT48 chassis together with the widely used Cosworth DFV engine. The BT49T was used between the '80 and '81 seasons to test the turbo BMW unit. The monocoque chassis is made from aluminum alloy and carbon fibre composites. The car was fitted with controversial hydro-pneumatic suspension and water-cooled brakes at different points in its life.

DISCUSSION (11)

Axel-Ripper > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/28/2013 at 22:59

Its always worth remembering that whenever someone complains about Bernie squashing most rules-bending technologies in this era of F1, that at one time he was head of one of the craziest rules bending teams. Active suspensions, water cooled brakes, THE sucker car. He may be old and senile now, but he did live it at one point in time.

phenotyp > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/28/2013 at 23:04

Pretty much any car with the Parmalat logo wins in my book.

desertdog5051 > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/28/2013 at 23:10

Great post, Ghost Dog. Thanks for the history.

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > phenotyp
10/28/2013 at 23:11

I was thinking about those. Why for the crash test? It looks like it was printed onto the car higher than usual to fit the movement marker things under the word. What's up with that? Who would see these images? How would something like this be written into the sponsorship contract, or why would they go through the trouble if they didn't need to? I don't understand.

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > desertdog5051
10/28/2013 at 23:13

Ruff.

*For those non-dogs reading, it means thanks.

getchapopcorn > Axel-Ripper
10/28/2013 at 23:27

It's important to note that Bernie agreed to voluntarily withdraw the fan car, putting the collective interests of the FOCA above that of his own and the team. There's a nice account by Gordon Murray (designer) telling how angry he was Bernie for his position to voluntarily withdraw it, (granted it was sat by the FISA, then CSI, 3 races earlier than the FOCA agreed it would be sat but it was never deemed to be illegal). It raced a single race, the Swedish GP, which Lauda won by 34 seconds.

phenotyp > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/28/2013 at 23:34

That's a case of NFC.

The first time I had that question in my head was seeing the unpainted CF Porsche GT1 98, which, even though it was a test car, had Michelin and Mobil logos on it. Presumably the contracts say that every car that gets photographed must have logos.

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > phenotyp
10/28/2013 at 23:42

Crazy, but I suppose that would help keep the contracts shorter and more straightforward.

phenotyp > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/28/2013 at 23:46

Contracts are (as someone who has both written and been bound by them) often seriously ridiculous. I can't image the number of lawyers and layers involved in a factory race car-sponsor contract.

All I want: pretty car go fast.

I am a simple man.

Bobololo23 is waiting for the FT86 to come > Ghost Dog - For the kittens
10/29/2013 at 19:34

Quick question, did you find this photo on this website?
http://amjayes.tumblr.com/
Because if you did you are a man of great taste. That is the greatest website in the WORLD

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > Bobololo23 is waiting for the FT86 to come
10/29/2013 at 21:19

Yes it was that kick-ass, large image, vintage race photo site! Where does he find them all?!?!?!