1953 Cooper-Bristol T23 MkII

POA

Fully restored and ready to race
2-litre Bristol straight-six rebuilt by Classic Autos of Kings Langley
Dyno-verified 144 bhp at 6,000 rpm with a consistent and linear power curve
Complete and documented mechanical rebuild by Hawker Racing
Eligible for HGPCA and VSCC events, and supplied with new HTP papers

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

This 1953 Cooper Bristol T23 Mk2 has been comprehensively rebuilt to a high standard and is ready to compete.

The car was raced extensively in Australia before being imported to the UK, where it was subjected to a complete mechanical restoration by Hawker Racing — a specialist with a celebrated record in the preparation and support of historic single-seaters at the highest level.

The 1,971cc Bristol straight-six was rebuilt by Classic Autos of Kings Langley, one of the most highly regarded engine preparation businesses in British historic motorsport, with a particular specialism in Bristol-engined competition cars. The engine was built with an Arrow steel crankshaft and connecting rods and Cosworth pistons. Hawker Racing subsequently installed their own race camshaft with new followers, and ran the engine on their in-house dynamometer. Dyno results confirm an output of 144 bhp at 6,000 rpm with a consistent, linear power curve across the rev range — an important indicator of an engine built to correct specification and balanced throughout. All work by both Classic Autos and Hawker Racing is fully documented in detailed invoices.

Beyond the engine, Hawker Racing carried out a complete mechanical rebuild of the car. New Alfin brake drums were fitted throughout along with all new bearings and bushes, a reconditioned steering rack, rebuilt driveshafts, a new oil cooler, and a new clutch. The car was repainted as part of the restoration and has not been raced since the work was completed, meaning the engine remains fresh and all mechanical components are as new.

New HTP papers will be supplied with the car, and the T23 is eligible for a wide range of prestigious historic racing series, including the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association (HGPCA) and the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC), and represents a serious and proven entrant at the highest level of historic single-seater competition.

The Cooper T23 — formally designated the Cooper-Bristol Mk II — was developed by the Cooper Car Company for the 1953 Formula 2 season. Designed by Owen Maddock, it was an evolution of the successful T20 Mk I, incorporating a lighter tubular spaceframe, redesigned aerodynamic bodywork, and significantly improved brakes. Where the T20’s drum brakes had been a known weakness, the T23 addressed this directly with 11-inch Alfin light-alloy drums — the same specification retained on this car today.

Power came from the Bristol BS1, a 1,971cc twin-carburettor straight-six derived from the pre-war BMW 328 engine and developed extensively by the Bristol Aeroplane Company after the war. Lightweight, free-revving, and mechanically refined, the Bristol unit was one of the most technically accomplished racing engines of its era, and its combination of power and reliability made it the natural choice for serious privateer entrants. The T23 was campaigned in Formula 2 and also appeared in nine Formula One Grand Prix between 1953 and 1956, driven by the likes of Ken Wharton and Bob Gerard.

After the conclusion of the factory Formula 2 programme, T23s passed into privateer hands and were raced extensively in Formula Libre and national series, including in Australia and New Zealand where Jack Brabham was among those who competed in Cooper-Bristol machinery. Today, the T23 is among the most eligible and competitive cars available for HGPCA Pre-1961 Grand Prix and VSCC racing, where its Formula 1 pedigree, Bristol straight-six soundtrack, and genuine period specification make it one of the most compelling historic single-seaters in this class.