1953 Cooper-Bristol T23 MkII

1953 Cooper-Bristol T23 MkII
Fully restored and ready to race
2-litre Bristol straight-six rebuilt by Classic Autos of Kings Langley
Dyno-verified 144 bhp at 6,000 rpm with a consistent and linear power curve
Complete and documented mechanical rebuild by Hawker Racing
Eligible for HGPCA and VSCC events, and supplied with new HTP papers

This 1953 Cooper Bristol T23 Mk2 has been comprehensively rebuilt to a high standard and is ready to compete.

The car was raced extensively in Australia before being imported to the UK, where it was subjected to a complete mechanical restoration by Hawker Racing — a specialist with a celebrated record in the preparation and support of historic single-seaters at the highest level.

The 1,971cc Bristol straight-six was rebuilt by Classic Autos of Kings Langley, one of the most highly regarded engine preparation businesses in British historic motorsport, with a particular specialism in Bristol-engined competition cars. The engine was built with an Arrow steel crankshaft and connecting rods and Cosworth pistons. Hawker Racing subsequently installed their own race camshaft with new followers, and ran the engine on their in-house dynamometer. Dyno results confirm an output of 144 bhp at 6,000 rpm with a consistent, linear power curve across the rev range — an important indicator of an engine built to correct specification and balanced throughout. All work by both Classic Autos and Hawker Racing is fully documented in detailed invoices.

Beyond the engine, Hawker Racing carried out a complete mechanical rebuild of the car. New Alfin brake drums were fitted throughout along with all new bearings and bushes, a reconditioned steering rack, rebuilt driveshafts, a new oil cooler, and a new clutch. The car was repainted as part of the restoration and has not been raced since the work was completed, meaning the engine remains fresh and all mechanical components are as new.

New HTP papers will be supplied with the car, and the T23 is eligible for a wide range of prestigious historic racing series, including the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association (HGPCA) and the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC), and represents a serious and proven entrant at the highest level of historic single-seater competition.