The Climax FPF was based on one-half of the 1954 Climax FPE ("Fire Pump Engine") V8. The Inline four engine started as a 1,475 cc Formula Two design, then a 1,964 cc version won the first two races in the 1958 season in Cooper cars. An interim version measured 2,207 cc, until a revised block allowed a 2,467 cc capacity in late 1958. This, and a 2,497 cc unit in early 1960, led to Jack Brabham and Cooper winning championships in 1959 and 1960.
After the new 1.5 liter formula came into effect in 1961, a Mark II version of the 2,497 cc unit was created, measuring 1,499.8 cc. The 1.5L engine won three Grands Prix that year, until superseded by the new Climax FWMV. Later, the older unit was bored out to 2,751 cc for use at the Indianapolis 500 and for sports car racing. The exiting 2.5L engines gained a new lease on life when the Tasman series and Australian National formula came into existence in 1964, both having a maximum engine size of 2.5L.
Complete Formula One Results[]
- * Ineligible for Formula One Championship points as they were Formula Two entries.