The five coolest single‑seaters you have to see at FOS

1923 Aston Martin 11hp Razor Blade

Let’s start at the beginning. Almost a century ago, Aston Martin’s 11hp Razor Blade made its debut, then a cutting-edge speed record challenger. Featuring a specially built narrow chassis (measuring just 18.5 (47cm) inches at its widest point) and a de Havilland Aircraft Company-built body, chassis number 1915 is certainly an eye-catching beast. 

Powered by a 55bhp four-cylinder engine that Aston Martin had developed for the 1922 French Grand Prix, the Razor Blade had the one-hour light car record of 101.39mph in its sights. However, despite consistently lapping Brooklands at 103-104mph, repeated tyre issues forced the team to abandon the attempt. 

The ‘narrowest racing car ever’ did go on to win various races throughout the ‘20s, and competed in the UK until the 1950s, when it was retired to America’s National Automobile Museum. Following its stint in the States, the car returned to the UK in the ‘80s, and now competes in Vintage Sports-Car Club races. 

Mercedes-Benz W25

The original Silver Arrow, the W25 is arguably one of the most recognisable historic single seaters around. 

Originally designed for the 1934 Grand Prix season, which was cancelled due to rule changes, the W25 went on to win the following year’s European Championship after Rudolf Caracciola won three of five championship events. 

The W25 featured 3,360cc supercharged eight-cylinder petrol engine, which put out 280hp. The model remained in contention, later making 494hp, until 1937. 

Lola-Ford T90 'Bowes Seal Fast Special'

Stepping away from the World Championship, this striking Lola-Ford T90 ‘Bowes Seal Fast Special’ was raced by Jackie Stewart at the 1966 Indy 500.

Combining the Lola chassis with a Ford V8 engine, the T90 was a potent proposition, with John Mecom entering two works models into the series, piloted by IndyCar rookies Stewart and Graham Hill. 

In qualifying the Scotsman took a respectable 11^th place with a top speed of 159.972mph, and managed to avoid a huge 15-car crash at the start of the race.

By the time the race restarted, only 22 of the 33 cars remained in contention, a number which fast diminished due to the gruelling nature of the 200-lap race. 

Despite leading the race from lap 151 to 190, Stewart was forced to retire 10 laps from the chequered flag, handing the lead to Hill after an oil pressure problem. However, with only half a dozen cars left in the race at this point, Stewart still managed a very respectable sixth place finish. 

1969 Brabham-Cosworth BT26A  

The Brabham-Cosworth BT26A was the first car that Frank Williams ever entered in an F1 race, after he purchased it from the Brabham works team in 1969. 

Powered by a Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) Formula 1 engine, Williams entered friend Piers Courage in the dark-blue liveried car, with the Essex-born driver debuting at the South African Grand Prix. Courage contested the season with two best finishes of second at Monaco and the USA Grand Prix, before finishing the season eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.

Ferrari F1-2000 

The most modern single-seater to make our list, the F1-2000 was designed by Rory Byrne for the 2000 F1 season. 

It utilised the same gearbox as its predecessors – the F300 and F399 – albeit coupled to a new engine with a wider V-angle, which worked to lower the centre of gravity of the car.

It was in the F1-2000 that Michael Schumacher took his third World Drivers' Title and Ferrari's first for 21 years, signifying the start of Ferrari, and Schumacher’s, dominance throughout the early 2000s. 

Photography courtesy of Motorsport Images.