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1959 Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix Car

Type 51 Grand Prix Car image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car was manufactured in 1959 by Cooper Car Company based in Surbiton, Surrey, England. This sleek and speedy vehicle was specifically designed for track racing and quickly became a top contender in the international Grand Prix circuit.

One of the standout technical features of the Cooper Type 51 was its lightweight yet sturdy construction. The car's chassis was made of tubular steel, which provided excellent support and stability on the track while keeping the vehicle's weight to a minimum. The body was constructed from aluminum, which further reduced the overall weight of the vehicle.

Under the hood, the Cooper Type 51 was powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Coventry Climax engine. This powerful engine could generate up to 250 horsepower, which allowed the car to reach impressive speeds of up to 160 mph on straightaways. The engine was also paired with a four-speed manual transmission, which allowed for precise shifting and quick acceleration.

Another key feature of the Cooper Type 51 was its suspension system. The car was equipped with independent front suspension and a de Dion rear suspension, which allowed for excellent handling and stability on the track. The vehicle also had disc brakes on all four wheels, which provided superior stopping power at high speeds.

Inside the cockpit of the Cooper Type 51, the driver was treated to a minimalist yet functional arrangement of instruments and controls. The driver's seat was positioned low in the car and was ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and support during extended races. The vehicle also had a large, easy-to-read tachometer and speedometer, as well as a variety of other gauges that allowed the driver to monitor engine performance, fuel levels, and other vital data.

Overall, the Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car was a triumph of engineering and design. Its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and advanced suspension system made it a formidable competitor on the track, and its sleek and stylish design made it a true classic in the world of racing. Today, these iconic vehicles are treasured by collectors and enthusiasts alike, as they represent a golden age in the history of motorsport.

Milestones

- The Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car was designed and manufactured by Cooper Car Company in 1959. - The car was powered by a Coventry Climax 2.5-litre engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. - It made its debut in the Monaco Grand Prix on May 10, 1959, driven by Bruce McLaren and finished in 7th place. - The car won its first race in the 1959 French Grand Prix, driven by Jack Brabham, who would later become a three-time world champion. - The Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car went on to win a total of five races in the 1959 Formula One season, helping Cooper Car Company to win their second consecutive Constructors' Championship. - In addition to its success in Formula One, the Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car also won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. - The car's success had a significant impact on the design and development of Formula One cars, introducing a rear-engine layout and influencing many of the top teams to adopt the design in the years to come.


Technical

- The Cooper Type 51 Grand Prix car was designed and built by Cooper Car Company in 1959 - The car featured a mid-engine layout with a 2.5-liter Climax FPF (Ferguson P99) straight-four engine producing 275 horsepower - The chassis was made of lightweight tubular steel with independent suspension, front and rear - The car weighed around 500 kg and had a top speed of over 270 km/h (168 mph) - The Type 51 featured a 5-speed manual transmission and hydraulic disc brakes - The car was driven by famous drivers such as Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, and Bruce McLaren and won several Grand Prix races in 1959 and 1960 - The Type 51 was the first mid-engine car to win the Formula One World Championship, with Brabham winning the title in 1959 - The car also won the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in 1959 with Moss behind the wheel - The Type 51 was a pioneer in mid-engine design, revolutionizing the sport of Formula One and paving the way for future racing cars.