1976 Ralt RT1

Make

Ralt

Model

RT1

Year

1976

Listed price

$99,500

Location

Emeryville, CA

Transmission

Hewland FT200 5-speed manual

Mileage

0 miles

The Ralt RT1 stands as a landmark in the history of single-seater racing, a car that redefined the customer racing landscape upon its introduction in 1975. Designed by Ron Tauranac, co-founder of Brabham, the RT1 was conceived as a versatile platform capable of competing across multiple formulae, including Formula Atlantic, Formula 2, Formula 3, and even Can-Am. Its robust yet lightweight monocoque chassis, combined with exceptional handling characteristics, quickly made it the car to beat. Ralt produced around 150 RT1 chassis, and its immediate success, including multiple championships and race wins worldwide, cemented its legacy as one of the most successful privateer racing cars of its era, launching countless careers and demonstrating Tauranac's engineering genius. This particular 1976 Ralt RT1 boasts significant provenance, having been campaigned by Chip Mead in Formula Atlantic. Mead, a promising American talent, competed with distinction in this highly competitive series, making this car a tangible piece of racing history. Under the current ownership, the car has received meticulous preparation, ensuring it is race-ready for its next custodian. The heart of this RT1, a Ford Cosworth BDA 1.6L inline 4-cylinder engine, has just undergone a comprehensive rebuild by the renowned Ivey Engines, promising peak performance and reliability. Power is managed by a Hewland FT200 5-speed manual gearbox, which has also been freshly rebuilt, ensuring precise shifts and robust power delivery on track. With its storied past and fresh mechanicals, this Ralt RT1 offers an unparalleled entry into vintage racing.