Formula One Stories > 1961 Cooper T53

FORMULA ONE STORIES

1961 Cooper T53

The Cooper T53 is a Formula One car built by British motorsport team Cooper for the 1960 Formula One season. Jack Brabham drove it to his second World Championship that year, and with teammate Bruce McLaren gave Cooper its second Constructors' Championship.

The T53 was lower and slimmer than its predecessor, the Cooper T51. It was equipped with a new tubular steel frame clad in aluminum panels. Suspension was by double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers all round, a change from Cooper's usual transverse leaf spring at the rear. Power came from the latest version of 2.5 liter Climax FPF which developed around 240 bhp and drove the rear wheels through a Cooper five-speed gearbox.

Steering Wheel of 1961 T53 San Diego Automotive Museum

The inside of the 1961 Cooper T53 on display at the San Diego Automotive Museum

The T53 was lower and slimmer than its predecessor, the Cooper T51. It was equipped with a new tubular steel frame clad in aluminum panels. Suspension was by double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers all round, a change from Cooper's usual transverse leaf spring at the rear. Power came from the latest version of 2.5 liter Climax FPF which developed around 240 bhp and drove the rear wheels through a Cooper five-speed gearbox.

In its first race, Jack Brabham drove the new Cooper race car to second place in the International Trophy at Silverstone in May. At its first World Championship event at Monaco, Brabham qualified second but in the race itself he was disqualified after spinning off and then receiving a push start. Bruce McLaren put in a strong race, finishing second to Stirling Moss.

Thereafter, Brabham reeled off five wins in a row to tie up the World Championship with two events to spare. McLaren was runner-up, and Cooper won the Constructors' Championship. Brabham also won the non-championship Silver City Trophy.

Behind the 1961 T53 San Diego Automotive Museum

1961 Cooper T53 viewed from the back at the San Diego Automotive Museum

Thereafter, Brabham reeled off five wins in a row to tie up the World Championship with two events to spare. McLaren was runner-up, and Cooper won the Constructors' Championship. Brabham also won the non-championship Silver City Trophy.

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See the 1961 Cooper T53 at the San Diego Automotive Museum

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