Six Years, One Last Lap: Brabham Automotive Shuts Down Amid Financial Setbacks

Six Years, One Last Lap: Brabham Automotive Shuts Down Amid Financial Setbacks

Brabham Automotive aimed to revive the legendary Brabham racing name with its own brand of track-ready supercars. But after just six years, financial troubles have forced the fledgling company to dissolve.

Co-founder David Brabham, son of racing icon Jack Brabham, announced the news himself last week on Instagram. He stated the company’s investment backers, Fusion Capital, withdrew support, effectively ending operations.

Brabham’s first model was the BT62, unveiled in 2018 – a lightweight, 700-horsepower rocket capable of enormous downforce from its dramatic aerodynamics. The $1.35 million machine was billed as the ultimate track toy for well-heeled racing enthusiasts seeking pure adrenaline.

Hoping to broaden appeal, the company followed up in 2020 with the BT62R – a slightly more streetable version with mufflers, A/C, adjustable suspension and other modest concessions to comfort. But it still looked like a bare-bones rocket not meant for road trips.

Details remain scarce on how many BT62 variants reached customers before funds dried up. At least a few deliveries occurred.

While the business is shuttered, David Brabham surprisingly leaves the door open to potential revivals. “With the brand license ended, it opens new possibilities in motorsport, automotive and heritage,” he wrote hopefully.

So for fans of the famous marque, a glimmer of hope persists that Brabham could race again. But generating sufficient backing to relaunch an automaker, even for a niche, likely remains an uphill battle. For now, the fledgling company joins the crowded graveyard of startups who shared grand visions but couldn’t overcome harsh realities. At least it managed six years – surpassing many – before financial forces waved the checkered flag.