1966 Chaparral 2D Pilots: P. Hill, J. Bonnier Team: Chaparral Cars Inc Race: DNF (P +5.0 class) at Le Mans in 1966 Ixo - LMC 131 (diecast)
Published 09/02/17
In 1963, when Hap Sharp and Jim Hall started Chaparral Cars, the Chaparral 2 series cars were all opened-cockpit designs. In 1966 Jim Hall designed the 2D, the first closed-cockpit Chaparral, specifically for endurance racing. The 2D was based on the previous 2C, but the chassis was a fiberglass monocoque with steel reinforcements. That arrangement was something unseen in endurance racing until then. The engine was an aluminum alloy big block 5356 cm³ Chevy V8 with 16 valves and SOHC good for 420 hp, that transmitted power to the rear wheels through a 4-speed auto gearbox (another novelty by Jim Hall). With a weight of only 924 kg and with that big engine the car was pretty fast.
The 2D didn’t start the 1966 season very well, but in early June it was able to win the 1000 km of Nürburgring. Just a couple of weeks later, #9 (chassis #2D001) was at the 24 Heures du Mans. Unfortunately it had to withdraw after 111 laps with generator problems. This 2D is a pretty good model from Ixo, but possibly inferior to the Minichamps version. However, between having a very good and affordable model or having a great but quite expensive one (and very HTF), I went for the former. The only thing that I’m a bit bothered with the 2D #9 is the color – it isn’t exactly white as my 2F, but I don’t know if it’s supposed to be that way or not.
Without a doubt Jim Hall was one of the great figures of automobile racing. I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to have his cars that raced at La Sarthe in my collection. Honestly, I admire him so much that I’m considering opening an exception and getting other models from other races.