1,460cc Coventry Climax SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
108bhp at 6,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension

*Highly engaging example of Cooper's definitive 1950s sports-racer
*Long-term component in several California private collections
*A fantastic entry point into high-level vintage racing events
*Outstanding livery, presentation and renowned Coventry Climax power

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Established by Charles and John Cooper following WW II and immediately renowned for innovation, the Cooper Car Company was one of the world's most successful racing-car constructors through the early 1960s. Famous for perfecting the mid-engine chassis layout, beginning with their dominant chain-driven 500-cc F3 cars, the Coopers also sought to dominate F2, F1 and sports-car racing. By 1954, their chief designer, Owen Maddock, designed an all-new lightweight spaceframe, in concert with sleek, form-fitting bodywork, and central driver seating.

The Coopers' final ingredient for success in F2 and sports-car racing came in the form of the Coventry Climax FWA (Feather Weight Automotive) inline four-cylinder racing engine. Directly based on the Coventry Climax FW (Feather Weight), designed by engineer Walter Hassan who also was part of the Jaguar 'XK' project and would go on to design Jaguar's V-12. Built to Ministry of Defense requirements for a compact and lightweight, yet powerful fire-pump engine, the FWA immediately attracted the attention of the racing fraternity when it was first displayed at the London Motor Show.

Designated 'T39', the new Cooper sports-racer was soon commonly known as the "Manx tail" or "Bobtail," inspired by its abruptly cut-off, yet extremely aerodynamic rear bodywork. Inspired by the groundbreaking prewar work of Dr. Wunibald Kamm, this unique design feature was yet another of Maddock's cutting-edge ideas that would yield a decisive advantage over the far less forward-looking designs of the competition. Cunningly, Charles Cooper reportedly dismissed the car's radical rear bodywork as a simple expedient to getting the car to fit properly onto its race transporter!

To say Cooper's new sports-racer created a sensation would be a severe understatement. As successful on the track as it was visually stunning, the T39 was a force to be reckoned with from launch, qualifying 1st, finishing 1st in class and 3rd overall on its first race outing in the hands of Ivor Bueb at the Goodwood Easter races. Two T39s entered the tragic 1955 Le Mans 24 Hours, with the T39's best performance there in 1957 with Jack Brabham and Ian Raby finishing 15th overall and 3rd in class. Only an estimated 50 examples of the T39 were produced, yet the car cast a huge shadow during its front-line racing years from 1955 to 1962, with over 600 race entries, 9 poles, 83 wins and 216 podium finishes in all.

Predictably, the fast and nimble T39 found favor Stateside in SCCA competition. While earlier history remains unknown at this time, this T39 – numbered CS/9/56 – has enjoyed long-term care within three California-based private collections for many years. According to known history, it was sold from southern California to Mario Suraci of Northern California, who restored the car before selling it in 2005 to the current owner, who has continued to admirably maintain its restoration. Maintained in running order and powered by a correct Coventry Climax 1.5-liter engine, and now upgraded with disc brakes all round, CS/9/56 simply marks an outstanding example of one of the most successful and evocative British sports-racers of the 1950s and early 1960s.