This car ended 32 years of hurt for British motorsport

First came the A-type single-seater, followed by this, the hugely significant B-type specification. Why is it so significant? Well, at the hands of a certain Tony Brooks, a diminutive dental student with a God-given gift for speed — the 1955 B-type went on to claim victory in a non-World Championship Grand Prix race at Syracuse in Sicily. It was the first time a British car and driver pairing had stood on the top step since 1923. Ever since, the B-type has been affectionately known as the ‘Syracuse’. 

It may be a simple nickname, but its importance shouldn’t be dismissed. And actually, it goes some way to explaining just how massive this win was for Britain, its engineers, and drivers. 32 years without a victory is far too long, and shows just how behind the country was compared to its European counterparts.

Thankfully, Connaught’s B-types with their 2.5-litre Alta twin-overhead camshaft engine and ladder frame supported with wishbones and coils at the front and a de Dion axle at the rear had begun to outperform the manufacturer’s humble beginnings and budgets. Turning heads as they did so. 

Speaking to owner Spike Milligan, it quickly became clear that he, too, was completely won over by the looks, performance and racing romance associated with the Connaught name.

“I've only had it for two years. I've always watched and wanted a B-type. I've owned an A-type for 32 years also which was driven by Roy Salvadori and Stirling Moss. My father was a GP in Guildford, and he had a couple of mechanics as patients. One day he took me to the garage where Roy Salvadori's A-type was being made. I was seven, and ever since then Connaught has always been a family thing for me”. 

The association with Brooks and the Syracuse Grand Prix was clearly a draw for Mr Milligan, and when we asked about the car’s history, he was very quick to tell us this particular example never raced in period. It was in fact a factory spare for the famous number 22 B-1 which Brooks raced and won in at Syracuse. Sat almost forgotten following the collapse of Connaught, it wasn’t re-assembled into a car until 30 years later.

“It's lovely to drive. And very interesting to see the difference in development compared to the A-type. The preselector gearbox, instead of being between your legs, is behind your bum. So you're far more in the car and slightly more forward. You can really see the advancement.”

The car may not have cut its teeth in period, but it has since raced at the Goodwood Revival, been driven by Brooks himself here during a demonstration lap, and has even been part of the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard’s Central Feature.

“It was included in the Bernie Ecclestone celebration, hanging upside down infront of Goodwood House. I certainly hope it doesn't go upside down again this weekend.” Says Mr Milligan, a man who is clearly passionate about his Connaughts and the Goodwood Revival. Proudly stating that he’d only missed one Revival, and has driven in everyone he has attended except the 2021 event.

“We're running seventh at the moment in the Richmond Trophy, so if we got into the top six I'd be delighted. But overall, Connaught is my life. It's going to stay in the family. My son and grandson are here. And Goodwood Revival, well, I live for it.” 

The number 22 Connaught B-type eventually finished up ninth in the Richmond Trophy, but we hope to see it back on the Motor Circuit bringing more success to the Connaught name.

Photography by James Lynch.