1956 BJR 500cc Formula 3 Monoposto

• Unique 500cc Formula 3 car
• Considerable in-period race history
• Restored in the early 2020s
• Freshly rebuilt JAP 500cc engine
• Raced in 2022

In 1954-1955 Brian J Rowsell built the BJR 500, which incorporated a relatively sophisticated tubular chassis featuring wishbone and coil suspension at the front and swing axles at the rear, and was powered by a JAP engine. Brian was based in Kent and competed regularly in the BJR from 1955 through to 1963, but only at racetracks close to him: Brands Hatch, Crystal Palace and possibly (his son Ian believes) Goodwood. Brian Rowsell raced against seasoned competitors such as Stuart Lewis Evans, Jim Russell in the works Cooper, and Ivor Bueb, putting in some great performances. Numerous race programmes come with the car. Brian Rowsell had planned with his colleague and garage owner to build a series of F3 500's but he had entered the market too late with Cooper then being the dominant force. The car then passed into the hands of John Bailey who raced the car 1962-1965.

With the demise of 500-class racing and the inception of Formula Junior, the BJR was pressed into hill climbs and sprints up to the 1990s (The scrutineering labels are still on the inside of the car) by the then Competition Secretary of the Half Litre Club, Paul Harris. Brian Rowsell passed away a few years ago but his son Ian Rowsell has been in contact with the vendor, enabling him to build up a full history of the BJR, including some nice period shots from Ian's collection (see file). Brian Rowsell originally had the car painted, but then stripped the paint to achieve a polished aluminium finish as in the later photographs.

The BJR has since been restored/refreshed for current circuit racing regulations by Simon Frost, who is the technical advisor for the 500 Club and renowned for his work on Formula 3 500s. The car was back out in action in 2021 and 2022, and was reunited with Ian Rowsell at a meeting at Mallory Park where it was racing. Ill health has prevented the vendor racing in 2024 and he wants to see the car used considering all the preparation that has been carried out.

The following works have been undertaken by the vendor: Complete overhaul of the braking system to include callipers, brake lines and master cylinder; Norton gearbox stripped and rebuilt with new gears to current specifications; JAP 500cc engine completely rebuilt by Godden Engineering with new head, Carrillo con-rod, Omega piston, new valves and polished cylinder head; Recon BTH Magneto New tyres and wheels refurbished; New fuel pump driven off axle as per regulations; New handmade aluminium fuel tank to current regulations

The BJR now wants for nothing and is ready to race following the engine rebuild. The car comes complete with a VIF (Vehicle Identification Form) from the 500 Owners Association verifying the build date and its eligibility to race in class. The BJR is altogether a much rarer car than the ubiquitous Cooper, and always attracts favourable comments whenever it appears at a meeting. The car was judged by Goodwood to be unique enough to attract an entry at Goodwood– see email on file.