Description:

Pygmée MDB 16 Formule 2

Chassis n° MDB16-171

‘A small French manufacturer takes on the big international teams’

-            Founded in Annecy by Maruis Dal Bo in the mid-1960s, the Pygmée brand, recognisable by its seahorse logo, specialises in the manufacture of single-seaters. This small, traditional manufacturer built formulas driven by 7 F1 drivers, including Jean-Pierre Beltoise, Patrick Depailler and Jean-Pierre Jabouille.  Starting with Formula 3 in 1965, the first Formula 2 appeared in 1969. Caught up by the harsh economic reality of motor racing, the adventure came to an end in 1973.

-            Designed for the 1971 season, the MDB 16 was based on the hull of the 1970 MDB 15. The young Swiss engineer Jean-Louis Burgnard designed a new chassis and proposed a new suspension architecture. As the 1,600 cc engine was still subject to regulations, the MDB 16 retained the Ford Cosworth FVA 4-cylinder engine with Lucas injection and a Hewland FT 200 gearbox.

-            2 chassis were built and entered in 10 championship events. Problems with engine overheating at the start of the season forced the team to modify the bodywork by moving the radiator to the front. The best result was achieved by Jean-Pierre Beltoise in chassis 271 at the Rouen Grand Prix, where he finished 3rd behind Peterson and Lauda.

-            During the 1971 season, our chassis 171 was successively driven by Patrick Dal Bo, son of Marius, Helmut Marko and Jimmy Mieusset. In 1972, it took part in the French Mountain Championship driven by Richard Daniel, who won the Murs and Bellegarde races, finishing 7th in the championship. It took part again in 1973 with Daniel Gache, who won the Cagnotte race. It was back again at the end of the 1970s with Daniel Boccard at the wheel.

-            Its current owner acquired it in 2005, and since then it has benefited from a magnificent restoration, with more than €100,000 invested over 15 years. Today, it is in excellent condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. Accompanied by an FFSA passport and a HTP valid for circuit and hill climb racing, this superb single-seater is ready to get back into action!

 

Please contact us for any further details :

coignet@aguttes.com

+ 33 668 362 622

Keyword Search Terms:

F2 Formula2 pygmée ford cosworth hewland beltoise dal bo htp formula