Australian supercar maker loses rights to use iconic Brabham name

Adelaide-based supercar builder Brabham will no longer be able to use the name of Australia’s most successful Formula One racer, following a split between the manufacturer and the family of Sir Jack Brabham.

In a media statement, Fusion Capital – which operated under the name of Brabham Automotive Holdings Pty Ltd – announced it had ended its six-year relationship with the Brabham family (operating as Brabham Group Limited) who hold the rights to use the famous name.

The partnership resulted in the launch of the Brabham BT62 in 2016 – a mid-engined track-only supercar, bearing the name of Australian three-time Formula One champion Sir Jack Brabham, and adopting the former Brabham F1 team’s ‘BT’ naming structure.

Built in Adelaide, the BT62 is powered by a modified Ford 5.4-litre V8 engine and fitted with bespoke body panels – without an accompanying road-going version – making it ineligible for any major global racing series.

Testing was conducted in secret at the Phillip Island Circuit south of Melbourne, though the project hit a major speedbump in mid-2017 when test driver Ash Walsh lost control of the car at more than 200km/h, becoming airborne.

During a demonstration at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2019, a Brabham BT62 – driven by former Bathurst 1000 winner Luke Youlden – lapped the Mount Panorama Circuit in one minute and 58.694 seconds, almost five seconds quicker than the V8 Supercars qualifying record.

The Brabham BT62 has also been used in overseas racing series with limited regulations, while a less powerful and heavier ‘BT63’ was introduced for GT2 competitions in 2021.

It is not yet known what the Brabham company will be renamed to or what its next project will be, though Fusion Capital chairman Mat Fitch has hinted at the Adelaide company going electric.

“Ultimately the strategic direction of both groups did not align – that happens,” Mr Fitch said in a media statement.

“Powertrains are evolving and the opportunity to challenge the mainstream OEMs (manufacturers) has never been greater. What we have created provides the perfect platform for the future.”

Brabham Group Limited director David Brabham – son of Sir Jack Brabham, and winner of the 1997 Bathurst 1000 and the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans – said his ambition for his family’s name is for a greater presence in motorsport and heritage racing.

"While it is regrettable that our relationship with Fusion Capital has come to an end, the collaboration helped further evolve ‘Brabham’ to a new and exciting future,” Brabham said.

“With the brand licence for automotive ended, it opens the doors for future business ventures in the motorsport, automotive and heritage sectors. I would personally like to thank everyone who contributed and supported this project over the years.”