[Video] BRM V16 tackles Shelsley Walsh | GRR
Some of our elevenses videos require no introduction, and the sight of a BRM V16 powering its way up the tight and twisting coils of Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb is one such event.
But let us set the scene. The BRM V16 has got to be one of the most exciting cars ever to grace a race circuit, packing a supercharged V16 1.5-litre pumping out a thumping 608PS (447kW) at a frenetic 12,000rpm. Reputably, however, it can rev to 14,000rpm.
That would be brave because, as you’ll not be surprised to learn, the BRM’s limp grasp of reliability was apparently a major drawback in period. But hey, it’s a minor concern on a 910m hillclimb.
The BRM’s run is over in less than 50 seconds, but they’re all the seconds you need to transport you back to a time when circuits looked like actual roads, with cambers and surface changes gagging to fling you into the unforgiving banks and hedges that line the course.
The BRM’s acceleration is unrelenting, and you can’t help but envy the skill needed to transmit all that power to the road through near-vintage rubber. Just getting the car off the line seems challenging enough.
Factor in an engine noise that sounds like two V8s engaged in a mating ritual – egged on by a supercharger – and even the soothing tones of David Attenborough couldn’t improve this audio-visual delight.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Autonomous racing car completes a lap of Monza