1981 Brabham BT49

The Brabham BT49, designed by legendary Formula One designer Gordon Murray, was one of the most successful cars of its era. The 1981 version of the car featured some significant upgrades to its chassis and engine that gave it a real edge over its rivals.

The heart of the BT49 was its turbocharged 1.5-liter Ford-Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which produced around 560 horsepower. This powerplant was mated to a Hewland FGA five-speed gearbox that was operated via a traditional H-pattern shifter. The engine was mounted low and to the rear of the car to optimize weight distribution and minimize the effects of engine torque on handling.

The BT49's chassis was a sophisticated monocoque construction made from aluminum sheet bonded to honeycomb panels. This was a major improvement over the previous year's BT48, which had a more conventional aluminum-tube spaceframe chassis. The monocoque chassis was much stiffer, which helped to improve the car's handling and let Murray make more precise adjustments to the suspension setup.

The suspension on the BT49 was a double-wishbone arrangement at both the front and rear, with inboard spring/damper units and rocker arms. This design allowed the suspension to be more compact and allowed for more precise control over the car's handling. The front suspension was mounted on tall, angled uprights that allowed air to flow cleanly around the front wheels and minimize drag.

One of the most distinctive features of the BT49 was its unique "V-shaped" wing, which was mounted on top of the engine cover. This aerodynamic device was designed to provide downforce to the rear of the car without increasing drag. The wing was adjustable for angle and was capable of generating around 500 pounds of downforce at high speeds.

The BT49's cockpit was a tight squeeze for its drivers, but it was packed with all the necessary instruments and controls. The driver sat low and far forward in the car, with their feet tucked up under the dashboard. They operated the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals via a lightweight, forged-aluminum pedal box. The steering wheel was a small, unadorned affair with no buttons or display screens, and the gearshift lever sprouted from the top of the transmission tunnel.

Overall, the Brabham BT49 was a beautifully engineered car that demonstrated Murray's keen attention to detail and advanced design concepts. Its combination of power, agility, and aerodynamic efficiency made it a formidable competitor on the racetrack and a favorite among drivers and fans alike.