Although often associated with thoroughbred Italian sports cars, the V12 has also regularly been used for British road and racing cars. Among the very first was this Sunbeam 350hp, which was built in 1920. It featured a sophisticated V12, which was derived from an engine originally developed for a naval seaplane. The massive, 18.3-litre V12 featured three valves per cylinder and produced a staggering 355 bhp. It helped prepare the unique machine to various land speed records in the hands of Kenelm Lee Guinness and Malcolm Campbell. Part of the British National Motor Museum collection, it was recently restored to full running order. A fabulous video about the car is also included in our detailed article about this unique machine.
Following a difficult two seasons with the overly complex H16 engine, BRM turned to a V12 layout for the 1968 Formula 1 season. Originally developed for sports car racing purposes, the twin-cam engine first powered the BRM P126 raced by the likes of Pedro Rodriguez and Richard Attwood. Although they missed out on a win, both drivers managed to place second once with the V12-engined P126 in 1968. The same basic design ultimately evolved during the 1968 and 1969 seasons into the BRM P139. Compared to the original V12-engined BRM, the final evolution featured a four-valve head, which helped boost the power of the three-litre V12 to nearly 420 bhp. Driven by John Surtees and Jackie Oliver, the P139 proved not quick or reliable enough to match the Cosworth DFV-powered rivals.
Enjoy the links:
1968 - 1969 BRM P126 - Images, Specifications and Information
1920 Sunbeam 350hp V12 - Images, Specifications and Information
1969 BRM P139 - Images, Specifications and Information
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