P160

Chassis

Aluminium Monocoque

Engine

BRM V12

Specification

3.0-litre : 4Valves/Cylinder, Naturally aspirated, Lucas fuel injection

Output

450 bhp

Weight

540 kg

Years Raced

1971-74

No: Built

10

Designer

Tony Southgate

Notes

Compared to its predecessor the P160 featured a lower monocoque, sharper lines and revised suspension geometry. Tweaked once again by engineer Aubrey Woods, the V12 could now safely rev to 10,800 rpm. Cooling was also improved. For the 1971 season, Pedro Rodriguez was joined by Jo Siffert in P160s with Howden Ganley beginning the year with an updated P153, which would later be substituted for a new P160.

March 1971

P160/1 made its debut at the South African Grand Prix, Kyalami driven by Pedro Rodriguez.

April 1971

Pedro Rodriguez in P160/1 gave the type its first victory at Oulton Park in the Rothman Trophy.

August 1971

Jo Siffert scored his first GP win since 1968 in the Austrian Grand Prix, Zeltwegg in P160/2.

September 1971

Peter Gethin scored an historic victory at the Italian Grand Prix in only his second Grand Prix for BRM. This result came after an epic streamlining fight at Monza, and for over three decades was the fastest race at 151mph which became the fastest Grand Prix of the 20th century. It still remains the closest finish ever at 0.01s. BRM ended the year 2nd in the championship

1972

The P160's appeared in Marlboro livery when BRM introduced the cigarette manufactuer into formula 1 for the beginning of a two year sponsorship deal. The team was spread thinly during the season entering up to five cars for some races which was clearly more than they could reliably run.

May 1972

P160/1 driven by Jean-Pierre Beltoise scored the teams final Grand Prix victory in the Monaco Grand Prix, leading from from start to finish in the pouring rain.

August 1974

Now in Motul Livery, P160/9 made the final works appearance of a P160 at the German Grand Prix, Nurburgring driven by Francois Migault.