Story from Jam Press (F1 Jack Brabham) Pictured: The 1955 Cooper-Bristol T40. the First Formula 1 Car driven by Jack Brabham. The first Formula 1 car driven by legendary driver Jack Brabham hits the market for £298,000 A 1955 Cooper-Bristol T40 – the first Formula 1 car to be driven by three-time champion Jack Brabham – is on the market for £298,000. A rare piece of car-racing history, the T40 was also the first F1 car to be kitted out with a rear-engine layout. Fitted with a Bristol 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, it made its debut at the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree. Unfortunately it didn’t have the hoped-for success and qualified in 25th position, 27 seconds behind Stirling Moss on pole. It then made a dreadful start to the race, with mechanics having to push it off the line. But, despite its inauspicious start, the car’s forward-thinking engineering ensured it had a long-lasting impact on the sport and Brabham continued to race the T40 at other events around the world. The iconic vehicle is now for sale at auction in Paris for £298,000 (350,000), as reported by Luxury Auto News. A spokesperson for RM Sotheby’s, who is hosting the sale, said: “This is a historically significant automobile that can be appreciated for its place in Formula 1 both on and off the racetrack. “Playing a significant role in the career of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Jack Brabham, this Cooper-Bristol T40 is not only the first Formula 1 car to be driven by Brabham, it is also the first Formula 1 car to boast a rear-engine layout. “A proven entry in highly desirable events like the Goodwood Revival and Monaco Historic Grand Prix, it was recently sent for a full engine and braking system rebuild. Itt is accompanied by a valid FIA Historic Technical Passport, which expires in June 2025.” ENDS