1953 Cooper Climax T43
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POA
1957 Cooper Climax T43
Chassis Number: F2-20-57
Engine: Original 1,500cc Coventry Climax FPF (matching numbers)
Body: Original hand-formed aluminium and tubular chassis.
Brakes: Original magnesium drum brakes
Suspension: Original transverse leaf spring
The Cooper Climax T43 represents a groundbreaking era in international motorsport. As the first mid-engined car to win a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, it signaled the beginning of a new design philosophy that would dominate racing for decades.
Chassis F2-20-57 was first sold new to British racing driver Dick Gibson in 1957. Between 1957 and 1960, the car was actively campaigned in Formula events across Europe, including races at Silverstone, the Nürburgring, the Coupe de Vitesse in France, and other circuits.
In 1959, Jimmy Shield, in conjunction with the Rhodesian Motorsport Union, travelled to the UK to meet Gibson with the intention of joining his racing team. After Gibson finalised bringing Jimmy Shield on board, plans were made to ship the Cooper T43 to Southern Africa, marking the beginning of the car’s distinguished racing career on the continent., where it competed in premier events including the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, races at Roy Hesketh, events in Mozambique, and notably the first Rhodesian Grand Prix in the early 1960s.
By 1962/1963, newer and more advanced models had made the T43 less competitive. Gibson sold the car to Jimmy Shield, who continued racing newer machinery for Gibson while preserving the original Cooper Climax in its period specification.
The car was later sold to a prominent Rhodesian family, the Glasby from Bulawayo , who stored it in a shed where it remained untouched until the 1980s. It was then acquired by Mr Baker in George, Western Cape, who kept the car in his garage, still unrestored, until the late 1990s. At that time, it was sold to noted collector Mr Green.
In the early 2000s, Mr Green embarked on a meticulous 10–12 year restoration, returning the car to its original glory. Remarkably, the Cooper was raced again for the first time in over four decades at the prestigious Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, South Africa—a fitting revival for such a historically significant machine.
During its racing heyday in Rhodesia, Dick Gibson acquired a spare engine from the Rob Walker Racing Team, which famously fielded cars for Sir Stirling Moss, which will be sold with the vehicle. The vehicle comes with many spares, including a rare set of original twin SU DU6, double choked carburettors with correct inlet and linkages, as well as two original magnetos.
Many Cooper Climax cars from this era were continuously raced, upgraded, and modified over time—engines were replaced, brakes and suspension upgraded—leading to very few surviving in original configuration.
This car is a notable exception. Having ceased racing in the early-1960s and spending decades in careful storage, Chassis F2-20-57 retains its original 1500cc engine, aluminium bodywork, magnesium drum brakes, and suspension, making it one of the most original and complete Cooper Climax T43s left in existence.
Today, this historically significant vehicle is offered for sale in fully restored condition—a rare opportunity to own a cornerstone of Formula racing and Southern African motorsport history.
We have an excellent video of the vehicle in action on the track, which can be shared with any serious buyer upon request.
The vehicle is located in Johannesburg, South Africa, however shipping can be arranged by our company for any international client.
Viewing by appointment only!
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Basseille Classics provides thorough pre-purchase inspections to ensure that you know exactly what you’re buying. We assess the vehicle’s condition, authenticity, and value to help you make an informed decision. Our expert advice helps you understand whether the asking price is fair based on the car’s true worth.
We only work with classic cars that meet high standards of quality. Our inspections cover both mechanical and exterior details, and we provide high-resolution images and videos to give you a complete picture of the car’s condition. If anything needs attention, we’ll let you know and can help you negotiate the price accordingly.
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