1969 Cosworth-Ford

Here is one of Formula 1's great unknowns, the 1969 Cosworth-Ford Grand Prix Car.

 

Following the introduction of wings to Formula 1 in 1968, the next big innovation was believed to be four-wheel drive. It had been tried briefly by Ferguson and BRM a few years before, but was never commonly adopted.

 

For 1969, Lotus, Matra, McLaren and even engine manufacturer Cosworth would try their hand at producing a four-wheel drive Formula 1 car.

 

The Cosworth car was designed by future March founder and design guru Robin Herd and was tested extensively by Cosworth co-founder Mike Costin and ex-Lotus driver Trevor Taylor. Cosworth even persuaded triple World Champion Jackie Stewart, at Silverstone testing for Matra, to take the car out for a few laps.

 

The car was entered for the 1969 British Grand Prix and set to be driven by Taylor. However, reality set in and Cosworth withdrew the entry after realising that the car would not be competitive. The car never raced and was rendered a museum piece.

 

Pictured in August 2013 at the Donington Grand Prix Collection, Donington Park.

 

 

Done