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Iconic Brabham car enters the Hall of Fame
The car in which Australia’s Sir Jack Brabham became the only driver-constructor to win the Formula One World Championship is to be inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame – the first time a car, instead of a person, has been granted the highest honour in Australian motorsport.
Sir Jack’s 1966 world title victory in a car carrying his own name and designed by his own team is a feat unlikely ever to be replicated.
The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday 5th March, 2026, at the F1 Grand Prix in Albert Park, Melbourne. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the milestone title victory and is also the centenary of Sir Jack’s birth (2nd April, 1926).
Members of Sir Jack’s family, along with those of the co-builders of the Repco Brabham BT19, will attend.
“The Repco Brabham becomes the 100th inductee, joining an exclusive gathering of the most successful and impactful figures in the sport,“ said John Smailes, chair of the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Sir Jack is already a Legend of the Hall of Fame and his co-builders, Ron Tauranac AO (chassis) and Phil Irving MBE (engine) are members.
“They built their car in a triumph of determined engineering with the support of Australian industrialist and CEO of Repco, Sir Charles McGrath,” John Smailes said.
“They won both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles at their first attempt, against the might of Ferrari, Cooper, BRM and Lotus.
“The marque repeated the triumph in 1967 – with New Zealander Denny Hulme beating team-mate Jack to the title by just five points.”
The Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame is an exclusive honour-roll, comprising less than one inductee for each year of the 125-year history of motorsport in Australia.
Australia’s Alliance Airlines air charter services operator has also celebrated the BT29’s 60th anniversary, by painting one of its newest Embraer aircraft in the same colour scheme as the famous Repco-Brabham BT19 Formula 1 car.
“This aircraft signifies the magnitude of the achievements of Sir Jack Brabham, Ron Tauranac and the Repco-Brabham BT19 in 1966,” said Stewart Tully, managing director of Alliance Airlines.
“Alliance Airlines has a proud history of paying tribute to innovation and excellence through its special liveries.”
Wayne Bryant, chief merchandise and growth officer at Repco Australia said:
“Alliance Airlines’ special Repco-Brabham tribute airliner celebrates one of Australia’s greatest success stories.
“Our team is proud that Repco created the BT19’s V8 Formula 1 engine that remains a source of inspiration for our company and reminds us that the greatest achievements are always possible.”
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