We currently have several classic racing cars on display in the new building at Reynard Park. The cars have come back home to Reynard Park, Brackley, previous location of Reynard Motorsport. This post provides information and a brief history of two of the cars, the Reynard 863 and 873.
The Reynard 863 is one of the many adaptations of Reynard Formula Three racing cars over an eight year period. The 863 is certainly evidence of the evolution of Formula Three cars since the races debut in the post war 1940’s. The cars were then Recognizable for their light weight small tubs and motorcycle engines. Comparably the Reynard F3 car, despite Adrian Reynard’s revolutionary introduction of Carbon fiber to the tub and new designs, has seen much development and change since its first conception in 1983 as the 853.
(The 863 at KW Motorsport, Unit 6, Reynard Park)
The 863 was based on its predecessor, the 853 which revolutionized the standardized two part tub by featuring one piece of three quarter length carbon fiber strengthen by a honeycomb skeleton to create suitable rigidity. Work was also done to improve suspension loads.
The Reynard 863 was a product of the mistakes and lessons learnt from the previous season. The car needed to be more aerodynamic and easier to repair in the event of an accident. The aerodynamic change was easily spotted due to the narrower nose and wider front wings. Alterations were also made to the suspension which resulted in a more driver friendly car and very little competition.
Driver Andy Wallace saw wins in the 853’s debut at Silverstone, more during that season and eight more times on the way to the British Championship in the 863 the following year with Volkswagen. The cars were made to be customer orientated and production friendly, however very few sold in the UK meaning Wallace was the most successful of the car’s drivers.
(Andy Wallace driving the 863 – http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/cars/reynard/autos/4644.php)
The 873, the brother to the 863 was another significant step in the evolution of Reynard’s F3 designs. The car’s biggest adaptation featured a modular gearbox and oil tank casing at the rear which supported the suspension links. This change resulted in a smaller and more aerodynamic shape, along with a lengthened wheel base.
(The 873 on display at KW Motorsport, Unit 6, Reynard Park)
The redesign was a great success with Johnny P. Herbert taking a championship win in that season, furthering the outstanding record of Reynard’s cars on the track.
(Herbert on the track – http://www.f1rejects.com/drivers/mccarthy/biography.html)
Further evolution of the 853 and 863 are the 873, 893, 903, 913, 923 and the 933. The development of Reynard F3 racing cars came to an end with the 933 as many drivers switched to the more aerodynamic and better handling Dallara F393.
Reynard 863 Specs
| Country | GB/D |
| Year | 1986 |
| Engine | VW/ Golf |
| Type | L4 |
| Capacity (cc) | 1996 |
| Power (at revs) | 172HP |
| Chassis Type | Carbon Fiber Monocoque |
Reynard 873 Specs
| Country | GB/ I |
| Year | 1987 |
| Engine | Alfa Romeo Twin Spark |
| Type | L4 |
| Capacity (cc) | |
| Power (at revs) | 172HP |
| Chassis Type | Carbon Fiber Monocoque |
Please look out for more posts in the upcoming weeks on the other cars we have on display…
KW Motorsport Ltd 