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Coventry Climax Racing Engines - The definitive development history
After 30 months of original research and writing, this book describes exactly how these famous engines developed from industrial fire pumps to the Hillman Imp, from Le Mans winning Lotus Elites to Formula One winners driven by Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham, right through to the company's takeover by Jaguar in 1963. Viewed through the eyes of an engineer, and the detailed recollections of those who were there, this is a fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of leading edge race engine design from 1952 to 1966.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2004
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December 11, 2021
Coventry Climax Racing Engines: the definitive is development history by Des Hammill is a book I have long wanted to read. I finally found a copy at the right price and was worth the shopping and waiting, Covers the history of the Climax manufacturing company's venture into engine
manufacturing. It started with the British government looking for a portable fire pump. This needed a light weight engine to power the pump, among other requirements. British car constructers saw the engines at a display in the London Motor show and saw the potential of the light weight engine as a race car power unit. Petitioning Climax led to motors built for use in small displacement category cars. But one use that caught my eye many years ago, and stuck with me because it seemed so attractive, was using a Climax engine to improve performance in Austin-Healey Sprites. This was part of an attempt by, I think, either Graham Hill or, maybe Jack Braham, to enter the automobile after-market. The text and pictures convinced me that that was a great idea and I would, if not for budgetary reasons, love to pursue doing such a car. Alas, rich relatives remembering me in their will is not in my possible future, So it goes!
manufacturing. It started with the British government looking for a portable fire pump. This needed a light weight engine to power the pump, among other requirements. British car constructers saw the engines at a display in the London Motor show and saw the potential of the light weight engine as a race car power unit. Petitioning Climax led to motors built for use in small displacement category cars. But one use that caught my eye many years ago, and stuck with me because it seemed so attractive, was using a Climax engine to improve performance in Austin-Healey Sprites. This was part of an attempt by, I think, either Graham Hill or, maybe Jack Braham, to enter the automobile after-market. The text and pictures convinced me that that was a great idea and I would, if not for budgetary reasons, love to pursue doing such a car. Alas, rich relatives remembering me in their will is not in my possible future, So it goes!
Displaying 1 of 1 review