1956 BJR 510cc Formula 3 Monoposto

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

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.

With the demise of 500-class racing and the inception of Formula Junior, the BJR went into retirement but was still raced in hill climbs and sprints up to the 1990s. By then the Competition Secretary of the Half Litre Club, Brian Rowsell passed away a few years ago but his son Ian Rowsell was in contact with the previous owner, 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 was subsequently restored/refreshed 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 2020 and 2021, and was reunited with Ian Rowsell at a Mallory Park meeting where it was racing.

Recommissioned by JSB Engineering (bills available), the car was run most recently at the Silverstone Festival meeting in 2025 where it qualified very well and was running in midfield when the engine failed, hence the recent engine rebuild by Cameron Engineering (bill on file). The car also benefits from a new clutch and chains. Included in the sale are two steering wheels (one for the larger driver), a track stand and a petrol-powered starter pack.

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. The BJR is altogether a much rarer car than the ubiquitous Cooper and always attracts favourable comments whenever it appears at a meeting.