Cosworth Technology


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Cosworth Technology

Cosworth Technology

Cosworth 4WD, 1969

Following the success of their DFV Formula 1 engine Cosworth decided to manufacture an entire car for 1969. One of the DFV’s best assets was its excellent torque characteristics, but transmitting the engine’s prodigious power to the road could be difficult, particularly in wet conditions. To solve this Cosworth’s Formula 1 car would utilise a four-wheel drive system of the company’s own design, at a time when several other teams were also experimenting with the possible advantages the technology could offer in Grand Prix racing.

The car appeared in two guises, neither attractive. It featured long side-pods and an offset driving position, to allow for the driveshaft. The majority of the testing was undertaken by the experience Formula 1 driver Trevor Taylor. Jackie Stewart also tried the car but found it not to his satisfaction, as it suffered from excessive understeer.