Deutsch-Bonnet HBR-5- 1959

Mark Brinker is an automotive enthusiast, collector, historian, and racer. His interests are wide and varied and for many years he has been particularly fascinated by the machines built by Deutsch-Bonnet (DB).

Charles Deutsch and René Bonnet were French motorsports devotees who established their automobile manufacturing company in 1938. Following WWII, the company focused on producing racecars powered by two-cylinder air-cooler engines from Panhard. These small displacement engines and DB racers have carried more sports cars to international victories than any sub-one-liter in history. Their wins included the following: first-in-class at Le Mans (1953-1956, 1959 and 1960); five consecutive Mille Miglia class victories (1953-1957), four wins at Sebring (1953, 1954, 1956, and 1959) and two more at Tourist Trophy (1953 and 1955).

Although DB racecars achieved unequaled small engine success, their accomplishments have largely been forgotten over time. To honor the DB marque, Brinker and his team prepared a DB model HBR-5 to race at the Bonneville salt flats. Their goal was to set land speed records to remind the world of the awesome abilities of these splendid machines.

Between 2008 and 2011, Brinker and his DB (named BoneEvil, a wordplay on Brinker’s profession as an Orthopedic [bone] surgeon and Bonneville) set eight land speed records for both naturally aspirated and supercharged classes. For clarity, although his car was half a century old, the records set were in open (not vintage) classes.

BoneEvil is a world-record setting racecar whose land speed records still stand today. The car is also a wonderful reminder of the awe inspiring accomplishments of Deutsch Bonnet of France.

This 1959 DB HBR-5 was generously donated by Brinker Racing LLC.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: DB Deutsch-Bonnet
Country of Origin: France
Drivetrain Configuration: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine: Air-cooled, 745 cc, 2-cylinder, four-cycle, boxer
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Top speed: 100.386
Years Produced:
1954–1959 (HBR 5 model)
1960 and 1961 (HBR 5 Super Rallyes)
Number Produced: About 430 (HBR 5 model)
Cost: unknown