VIN: the Gulf Racing Mirage M2 chassis 03
History of chassis 03
When the Mirage M1 fell victim to a three-litre engine limit imposed on Group 6 Prototypes for 1968, John Wyer Automotive Engineering (JWAE) temporarily reverted to the Mk1 GT40.
As it was homologated in the five-litre Group 4 Sport category, the GT40 had a two-litre advantage over the new generation of Prototypes. At certain tracks, this meant the big Fords would have a realistic chance of victory.
However, JWAE were aware they would soon need a new car to replace the ageing GT40. In mid 1968, the English team commissioned a three-litre Group 6 Prototype for 1969.
The resultant Mirage M2 initially ran with BRM power and a ZF gearbox until a Cosworth DFV and Hewland gearbox came on stream. Other than the slight modifications required to house the different engines, the three M2 Berlinettas were identical.
The more competitive Cosworth variant was subsequently converted to M3 Spyder specification after its first race. Meanwhile, the pair of BRM-engined M2s (chassis 02 and 03) were retired from active duty after two competitive outings apiece.
Chassis 03 was the second M2 equipped with the BRM engine.
For its two races, it was driven by David Hobbs and Mike Hailwood while the sister car (02) was allocated to Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver.
03 made its debut at the 1969 Spa 1000km race on May 11th. It arrived virtually untested and, as a result, neither Hobbs nor Hailwood enjoyed the three days of wet practice that followed.
03 started from 14th on the grid and eventually made its way up to seventh overall. It finished six laps behind the winning Porsche 908 and placed sixth in the three-litre Prototype class.
By the Nurburgring 1000km race three weeks later, chassis 03 had been uprated with a 48-valve BRM engine instead of the old 24-valve unit used at Spa.
Also present in Germany was the Cosworth DFV-powered M2 making its debut with Ickx and Oliver at the wheel.
Despite theoretically having a 20bhp advantage, the BRM-powered M2 qualified 20th while the Cosworth variant was eighth.
Both cars were plagued with niggling problems during Friday practice; chassis 03 briefly caught fire in the paddock which reduced its running time and meant Hailwood (who had never driven a car at the Nurburgring) was forced to qualify in the pouring rain on Saturday.
The race ended when 03’s fuel pressure dropped to zero at around one third distance.
The Group 6 Mirage programme was abandoned in September 1969 when John Wyer signed an agreement with Porsche to manage the works 917s in 1970 and 1971.
Both BRM-powered M2s were sold to Jo Siffert, but neither saw competitive action again.
Notable History
John Wyer Automotive Engineering (Gulf Racing)
11/05/1969 WSC Spa 1000km (D. Hobbs / M. Hailwood) 7th oa, 6th P3.0 class (#2)
01/06/1969 WSC Nurburgring 1000km (D. Hobbs / M. Hailwood) DNF (#9)
Sold to Jo Siffert, Switzerland
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Gulf Oil - https://www.gulfoilltd.com/
