COLT F2B A s the Mitsubishi formula car program entered its third year, the decision was made to take the team and its technical expertise one level higher. Until this time the engines used in the formula cars were improved versions of the Colt 1000 and 1500 mass production units, but from 1968 Mitsubishi would start to produce and develop their own pure racing engines. The first of these engines, the R39, was completed the same year. The capacity of 1598 cc was unchanged, but the engine evolved into an in line DOHC 4-cylinder unit with a maximum power output of 220 h.p. and a maximum speed in races of 260 kmph. The R39 was produced solely for the purpose of formula car racing and its 4 valves per cylinder and fuel injection to improve induction and exhaust were state of the art for their time. The engine was mounted in an improved version of the Colt F series, was designated F2B, and four of this type were entered in the fifth Japan Grand Prix (1968). Even though they were competing alongside Mazda rotary and 2,800 cc engined cars the Colt F2Bs overwhelmed the opposition and, even though Mochizuki unfortunately retired, the team scored a powerful 1-2 outright victory. That year the F2B scored three victories in the same class and also competed in their very first overseas event, the Macau GP. BACK

Copyright 1996,1997 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.