1959 Cooper Climax T51

The Coopers were both revolutionary and super conventional at the same time. Revolutionary was the placing of the engine behind and the fuel tanks alongside the driver. This, coupled with a lightweight tube chassis, delivered lower weight, better aerodynamics and better balance – all the heaviest components being centrally placed between the 4 tyre contact patches.

The conventional bits were the use of wishbone, coil spring and damper front suspension, but an almost archaic transverse leaf spring rear.

Power came from a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine which both Cooper and Lotus had commissioned from Coventry Climax, especially for the mid-engined layout.

The T51 was immediately successful with victory in its first World Championship race – the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Jack Brabham. He went on to win the World Championship for Drivers in 1959 and also in 1960 (using the updated T51, designated as T53). Cooper also won the Constructors Championship in both seasons.

This print can be supplied in square or landscape formats in the sizes indicated below.

Small - 30 x 30cm / 30 x 40cm

Medium - 40 x 40cm / 40 x 50cm

Large - 50 x 50cm / 50 x 70cm