Lucien Bianchi – 1968 Cooper T86C Alfa Romeo at the 2016 Goodwood Revival (Photo 1)
Image by Dave Adams Automotive Images
Due to regulation changes that came into affect for the 1966 Formula One season, and a drop in form of the existing T81 at the start of the 1967 season due to being left behind by its competitors, Cooper introduced the T86 for driver Jochen Rindt mid way through 1967. The only issue with their new car was that it needed an engine the conformed to the regulations. To solve this issue, they turned to Maserati and the engine that had been used in the Maserati 250F with great success. The engines age and weight however caused issues for the car, with the front end becoming light at speed and losing its ability to turn effectively (this was fixed with the addition of a small front wing).
The T81 was retired in 1968 when Copper introduced the B model (T86B) with a BRM engine, although this engine was the sportscar version which was heavier and less powerful than the factory team engine. Lack of competitiveness and a lack of funding from sponsors meant that the T86B was the last car to run under the Copper name in a Formula One race.
Ah, I hear you ask, but what about this Cooper T86C? This car was built using the Alfa Romeo V8 in 1968 as a replacement for the BRM powered T86B, but never actually raced. It was entered at Brands Hatch and Monza that year, with driver Lucien Bianchi, but never competed when Alfa Romeo withdrew its support, having found the V8 underpowered and uncompetitive in testing.
Lucien Bianchi (great uncle to Jules Bianchi) was an F1 driver, scoring 6 points during his career, and finished 3rd at the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix. He is perhaps better known for his sportscar racing, winning the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans in a GT40 with Pedro Rodríguez. He was killed a year later when testing for Le Mans when his Alfa Romeo T33 hit a telegraph pole.
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Dave Adams Automotive Images
