The Chaparral 2F was a closed cockpit prototype version of the 1966 2E. It was fitted with a very high movable wing, mounted on struts and spanning the full width of the car. The wing was controlled by the driver’s left foot (the car had an automatic gearbox so no clutch pedal) and could be pitched up, to make minimise drag on the straights, or down to slow the car down when cornering. The fibreglass bodywork housed a Chevrolet 7-litre engine.

Two 2Fs were fielded at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1967, driven by Phil Hill-Mike Spence (#7) and Bob Johnson-Bruce Jennings (#8). Car #7 chalked up the second best qualifying time, behind the Ford Mk VI with Mark Donohue and Bruce McLaren at the wheel. Unfortunately neither Chaparrals finished the race. Hill and Spence were caught out when the wing got blocked downward in the maximum drag position (seriously affecting aerodynamics on the straights) followed by recurring gearbox issues, while Johnson and Jennings pulled out after problems with the starter.

However, the Chaparral 2F was still an inspiring car and similar movable wings made their appearance in Formula One racing the next year. They were even reintroduced (subject to regulations) under the name DRS (Drag Reduction System) in 2011. Lucky spectators at the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas will get the chance to see the car as it is on show at the track this weekend. 80-year-old Jim Hall, its visionary creator, will also be there acting as Grand Marshall at the fifth leg of the 2015 World Endurance Championship.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO      
Translated from French by Clair Pickworth

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY 10 & SUNDAY 11 JUNE 1967. The Chaparral prototypes (here, the 2F driven by Phil Hill and Mike Spence) stood out not only for their innovative technical and aerodynamic features, but also for their pure white livery.