Brabham Automotive, founded in 2018, has officially ceased operations, marking the end of the road for the BT62 supercar. Co-founder David Brabham, son of racing legend Jack Brabham, announced the dissolution of the company and the conclusion of the partnership with investment group Fusion Capital.
BT62 Supercar Overview:
- Brabham Automotive’s inaugural product, the BT62, was introduced in 2018.
- Track-focused supercar with aerodynamics generating 2,646 pounds of downforce, exceeding the vehicle’s 2,143-pound weight.
- Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 producing 700 horsepower and 492 pound-feet of torque.
- Initial plans aimed to sell 70 units, with prices starting at approximately $1.35 million each.
BT62R Street-Legal Version:
- In 2020, Brabham announced the BT62R, a street-legal variant of the BT62.
- Retained the track car’s appearance but featured a quieter exhaust, air conditioning, adaptable suspension, and a heated windshield.
- Despite road capabilities, designed for performance rather than long-distance comfort.
Closure and Future Prospects:
- Co-founder David Brabham expressed gratitude for the journey and acknowledged the brand’s closure.
- Brabham leaves the door open for potential future endeavors in motorsport, automotive, and heritage sectors.
- The exact number of completed BT62 vehicles for customer deliveries remains unspecified.
Starting an automotive brand in the 21st century is recognized as a challenging undertaking, requiring substantial financial backing, a robust business strategy, and a bit of luck. The cessation of Brabham Automotive highlights the difficulties faced by new entrants in the highly competitive automotive industry.
