Brabham BT62 is something of a landmark car, but given its position as a circuit-only racer, its exclusivity, as well as an astronomical price tag, only a lucky few of us will ever have the pleasure of driving one. However, at least now there’s a chance us mere mortals will be able to glimpse one on the street thanks to an optional street-legal conversion pack.
Now offered by Brabham Automotive due to customer demand, it would allow the BT62 to drive on normal roads and comply with the necessary regulations but is strictly recommended for occasional use such as driving to and from the track.
The conversion will cost an additional £150,000 over the price of a car that already wears $1.8 million starting price, which is far from peanuts but a mere fraction compared to the sum buyers are already laying down.
For that, Brabham ads a lift kit for both the front and rear axles, a modified steering rack with tighter turning radius, an air conditioning system, a touch more interior trim and sound deadening, and an immobiliser with door locks.
While that does add to the car’s overall weight, it should hardy burden the standard BT62’s 972kg carbon fibre body. After all, the ‘Road Compliance Conversion’ applies no mechanical and aerodynamic alteration, so presumably the high-revving 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 still produces the 522kW and 667Nm it does as standard.
Here’s to hoping the frequent jaunts to and from track days without the need to rent a garage on-circuit or hire a truck to tow it home will eventually recoup the investment.
“We designed the BT62 to be an unrestricted, thoroughbred track car and our extensive test programme has revealed it to be all of those things,” said David Brabham. “This isn’t a car designed for the road. With that said, it’s clear some customers are keen to have a road compliant option with their BT62, particularly to drive to and from the track. My father Jack was always customer focused and we will continue with that ethos.”
