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Ralt

Ralt was a manufacturer of single-seater , founded in 1974 by Australian engineer Ron Tauranac after he sold his interest in the team, and it produced over 1,000 vehicles until ceasing operations in 1993. The company, whose name derives from "Ron and Austin Lewis Tauranac" (Ron's brother and early collaborator), specialized in chassis for junior formulae such as Formula 3, Formula 2, and Formula Atlantic, utilizing innovative designs like sheet aluminum monocoques and ground-effect aerodynamics. Tauranac, renowned for his earlier work designing championship-winning Formula 1 cars from 1961 to 1971, led Ralt to significant success, including multiple European and Formula 3 titles—such as ' 1975 European F3 championship win and Ayrton Senna's 1983 British F3 victory. Ralt cars became a dominant force in motorsport's lower tiers, providing platforms for future Formula 1 stars like , , and , and influencing careers in and racing. Key models included the RT1 (debuting in Formula Atlantic), RT3 (a staple in during the late and ), and RT4, which helped secure championships in 1981, 1983, and 1984. The firm's emphasis on reliable, competitive engineering—rooted in Tauranac's hillclimb car experiments in during the 1940s and 1950s—solidified Ralt's legacy as a breeding ground for talent and technology in open-wheel racing.

Early History

Australian Origins (1940s–1950s)

Ralt was formed in 1946 in , , by brothers Ron Tauranac and Austin Lewis Tauranac, with the name derived from their initials to brand a series of special racing cars they designed and constructed for local competition. Inspired by post-World War II motorsport enthusiasm, the brothers began building vehicles amid limited resources, focusing on lightweight specials suited to amateur racing circuits, hillclimbs, and sprints in . Their initial efforts marked one of the earliest examples of homegrown motorsport engineering, emphasizing simplicity and performance for grassroots events. Over the 1950s, the Tauranacs constructed five early Ralt cars, each adapted with diverse engines to suit available components and racing classes. Two models featured 500cc single-cylinder engines, including the notable Ralt 500 Special, while others incorporated a 10's 1172cc side-valve engine, a Vincent 1000cc V-twin, and a unit. The Ralt 500 Special exemplified their innovative approach with a mid- on a ladder-frame , swing-axle rear , and custom Ralt-built wheels, prioritizing low weight and agile handling for tight courses. These designs competed effectively in hillclimbs and sprints, where their compact form and responsive dynamics provided an edge over heavier contemporaries. Ron Tauranac piloted several of these cars to success, culminating in his victory in the 1954 Hillclimb Championship aboard the Ralt 500 Special, outperforming rivals including Jack 's Cooper-Bristol. This achievement highlighted the cars' competitiveness in local events, with additional strong showings at venues like Newcastle and Cumberland Park. The operation remained small-scale, producing fewer than ten cars in total, primarily for personal use and a handful of local drivers, reflecting the brothers' amateur ethos before Ron's departure for in 1960 to join , which led to their separation and the Australian Ralt's dormancy.

Ron Tauranac's Path to Revival

In 1959, Ron Tauranac immigrated from to the , where he secured employment as a draftsman during the day while competing in races with a Cooper-Norton at night. This dual pursuit honed his engineering skills and deepened his connection with , whom he had first met in Australian hillclimbs during the early 1950s. By 1961, Tauranac partnered with to establish Motor Racing Developments Ltd. (MRD) in , , focusing on the design and production of customer racing cars, beginning with models. Under Tauranac's leadership as chief designer, the company rebranded as and produced innovative chassis that propelled the team to success in , including the 1966 Drivers' and Constructors' Championships won by in the BT19 and the 1967 Drivers' Championship secured by in the BT20. Tauranac's designs integrated advanced features, such as the RB620 in the BT19, which provided reliable power and contributed to nine victories across the two title-winning seasons. Following Brabham's retirement at the end of 1970, Tauranac acquired full ownership of the company but faced challenges in balancing customer car production with racing commitments. In 1971, he sold his shares to , who shifted focus exclusively to and halted customer car manufacturing by 1973. After the sale, Tauranac took on brief consulting roles, including advisory work with Frank Williams and contributions to Trojan's Formula 5000 and Formula One projects, such as adapting the McLaren M21 chassis and designing the underperforming T103 in 1974. These short-lived engagements, amid the 1973-1974 petrol crisis that stalled some initiatives, underscored the difficulties of team management without a dedicated racing driver like Brabham. Motivated by the persistent demand for reliable customer cars in junior formulas—particularly after Brabham's withdrawal from that market—Tauranac decided in late 1974 to independently revive his early Ralt brand in the UK, establishing a new operation dedicated to producing competitive, updatable chassis for privateers in categories like Formula Three and Formula Two. This move leveraged his expertise in simple, effective designs to fill a clear gap in the single-seater racing ecosystem.

Modern Ralt Era (1975–1993)

Founding and Growth

In 1975, Ron Tauranac re-established the Ralt marque he had originally used with his brother Austin in the 1950s, founding Ralt Limited in , , , to produce customer for formulae. Drawing briefly on his extensive experience designing championship-winning from 1962 to 1972, Tauranac self-funded the initial setup through savings accumulated from his prior ventures. The company began operations in modest premises on Snelgar Road, focusing on efficient production of single-seater . The launch of the RT1 model in 1975 marked the start of customer-focused production, with the design adaptable for Formula 3, Formula 2, and Formula Atlantic categories. This versatile chassis emphasized reliability and affordability, incorporating adaptations for popular engines such as and units to appeal to a broad range of teams and budgets in the junior racing scene. Early operations relied on a small team, including Tauranac's first employee, , who assisted in factory preparation and testing. Growth accelerated through the late as Ralt gained traction in and series, with production of the RT1 reaching 165 units by 1979. Sales to prominent outfits like Project Four, which campaigned BMW-powered RT1s in Formula 2, and , which utilized Ralt chassis in Formula 3 during 1979, helped overcome initial financial strains from limited resources and scaling production. By 1980, cumulative output exceeded 200 cars, incorporating early examples of the successor and RT3 models, while employment peaked at around 50 staff to support expanding demand. This period solidified Ralt's reputation as a go-to supplier for competitive, cost-effective racing equipment.

Acquisition by March and Winding Down

In October 1988, Ron Tauranac sold Ralt to the March Group plc for integration into its operations, prompted by the underwhelming performance of the RT22 in Formula 3000, with Tauranac remaining on briefly as a consultant. This acquisition aimed to leverage Ralt's established customer base in junior formulas, but it soon faced integration challenges within March's broader portfolio. Following the buy-out, Ralt encountered mounting pressures from intensified competition by Reynard and Dallara, which eroded its market share in Formula Three by 1993, as teams increasingly switched to the rivals' more advanced chassis. In 1991, amid these strains, March/Ralt underwent a management buy-out, establishing March Cars Ltd. as the new entity to continue operations. Financial difficulties escalated, culminating in March Engineering's receivership in 1992 and a subsequent takeover of March Engineering Ltd. by Andrew Fitton and Steve Ward in early 1993, further complicating Ralt's trajectory under the March umbrella. Despite these setbacks, Ralt persisted with limited production, notably the RT41 Formula Atlantic model, which saw 32 units built from to 1998—12 in , 9 in 1995, 5 in 1996, and 6 in 1997–1998—though its competitiveness waned against newer designs. A highlight came in , when the RT41 dominated the Atlantic Championship, with drivers like David Empringham securing the title in the car. Under the new management post-1993, final Ralt cars were completed, marking the end of major activities by 1998. Overall, Ralt produced 1,083 cars during its run, with Tauranac attributing 1,047 designs to his direct involvement.

Car Models by Category

Formula 2 Cars

Ralt entered Formula 2 in 1975 with the RT1, adapting its successful Formula 3 platform to the higher-powered 2-liter regulations by incorporating larger fuel tanks in sponsons and a wider surround for improved . The RT1 featured an aluminum alloy with a rear tubular sub-frame, outboard coil springs at the front, and a lower /single upper link/twin radius rods at the rear, emphasizing reliability and ease of maintenance for customer teams. Powered primarily by the BDG engine in its initial Swindon-tuned form, with later examples using M12 or Hart 420R units, the RT1 achieved early successes in F2 events and demonstrated versatility across libre racing and hillclimbs through 1978. Only three RT1 chassis were produced in F2 specification, underscoring Ralt's targeted approach to the category. The , introduced in 1979, marked Ralt's shift toward ground-effect in Formula 2, building on the RT1's while updating geometry for better handling under the series' 2-liter engine rules. Designed exclusively for the team, it retained an aluminum sheet but incorporated venturi tunnels for generation, paired with revised to suit BMW M12/7 engines producing around 280 horsepower. Six RT2 chassis were built, three for the team and three for private owners, with achieving strong results before developing their own TG280 evolution in using higher-grade materials for enhanced stiffness and weight savings. This model highlighted Ralt's focus on customer-specific innovations, briefly referencing the shared robust platform from the RT1 used in multiple formulas. From 1980 to 1984, Ralt's works Formula 2 efforts centered on the RH6 series, evolving the RT2's ground-effect principles with progressive advancements to meet tightening 2-liter regulations and performance demands. Early RH6/80 and RH6/81 variants used aluminum construction with bulkheads for rigidity, while the RH6/82 introduced full aluminum panels, reducing overall weight to approximately 515 and incorporating carbon fiber elements in non-structural areas for further mass savings. shifted to pushrod and pullrod designs in later iterations for improved , with wider tracks and tires enhancing grip; works examples were powered by RA260E V6 engines as stressed members, delivering 300-340 horsepower at up to 12,000 rpm, though customer teams often fitted Hart units for broader accessibility. The RH6 dominated through annual refinements, powering Geoff Lees to the European F2 title, with production limited to works and select customer units across the five-year span.

Formula 3 Cars

Ralt's entry into Formula 3 began with the RT1 in 1975, a versatile constructed from a 16-gauge L72 with a subframe, , and outboard springs and dampers, designed for compatibility with and engines. This model emphasized reliability and ease of maintenance, achieving significant success in and series, including the 1978 European Formula 3 title. Evolving from the RT1, the RT3 debuted in 1979 as a dedicated design featuring a stiff tub reinforced with honeycomb bulkheads, inboard , and wide skirted sidepods to exploit ground-effect under the era's regulations. Annual refinements, such as pushrod front in the 1984 variant, enhanced its performance with or powerplants, leading to dominance in the championship from 1980 to 1984. Between 1979 and 1984, Ralt built approximately 168 RT3 . The RT30, introduced in 1984 for 2-liter engines, marked a shift with its aluminium tub, low-line right sidepod in a "coke bottle" shape, flat wooden floor for aerodynamic efficiency, and longitudinal rear shock absorbers, later updated to vertical dampers in the 1986 RT30/86 iteration. These changes optimized airflow and regulatory compliance, contributing to victories like the 1985 Japanese F3 championship. By 1984, Ralt had produced its 500th chassis overall, with a significant portion dedicated to Formula 3, and design tweaks prioritizing cost-effective spaceframe elements and modular components that facilitated adaptations across series. Later models like the RT35 in 1990 and RT40 in 1991 represented Ralt's final F3 evolutions under Ron Tauranac's direct involvement, incorporating sequential gearboxes and enhanced through refined to meet tightening regulations. The RT35, for instance, powered to the 1991 British F3 title, while shared suspension and chassis elements from these designs influenced higher formulas like F3000. Throughout the , Ralt dominated the British F3 market, underscoring its role as the feeder series' benchmark for junior single-seaters.

Formula 3000 Cars

Ralt debuted in the Formula 3000 series in 1985 with the RB20, a monocoque chassis incorporating ground effects and powered by the Cosworth DFV 3.5L V8 engine, adapting designs from its Formula 2 heritage to the new category's requirements. The series introduced standardized naturally aspirated 3.5L V8 engines, eliminating the turbocharged variety prevalent in F2 and aiming to reduce costs through controlled specifications. The RT21 model arrived in 1987, building on the RT20 with enhancements to suspension geometry for better handling and a lighter construction approaching the category's 600 kg minimum weight limit. Subsequent iterations, including the RT31 and RT32 produced from 1986 to 1988, refined these aspects further, emphasizing durability and adaptability for customer teams in the F3000 grid. Note that the RT20 was a distinct evolution from the initial RB20. By 1989, the BT33 represented continued evolution, while the RT24 in 1992 incorporated aerodynamic refinements amid growing competition from Reynard chassis, though Ralt's presence in the series waned. Ralt supported a significant share of the grid in the category's early years.

Formula Atlantic and Other Variants

Ralt's entry into North American open-wheel racing began with the RT1, introduced in 1975 as an adaptation of its initial Formula 2 and 3 designs for the Formula Atlantic series, which emphasized production-based engines and road-course handling suited to SCCA and regional events. Three RT1 chassis were specifically built for Formula Atlantic that year, featuring a structure with a steel subframe, double-wishbone front suspension with outboard springs and dampers, and a rear setup using a single top link, reversed lower wishbones, and twin radius rods. These cars were powered by 1.6-liter BDA or BDD engines producing around 180 horsepower, paired with a five-speed sequential gearbox, and optimized for 13-inch wheels and tires compliant with SCCA specifications. Dozens of RT1 variants were produced across all formulas by , with a portion dedicated to Atlantic use, including adaptations like enveloping bodywork for select Canadian-American entries. The RT4 succeeded the RT1 in Formula Atlantic from around 1980 to 1986, evolving the chassis with refinements for improved aerodynamics and handling on road courses, while retaining compatibility with BDA engines upgraded to approximately 220 horsepower. This model shared some suspension geometry from earlier Ralt designs but incorporated pushrod front setups in later iterations for better compliance with uneven surfaces common in SCCA racing. Dozens of RT4s were built for Atlantic competitors. In the 1990s, Ralt revived its Atlantic presence with the RT40, launched in 1991 under Ron Tauranac's direct involvement as a derivative of contemporary Formula 3 technology, tailored for the with its spec 4A-GE engines. The subsequent RT41, produced from 1994 to 1998, featured advanced adjustable Öhlins dampers with four-way settings and a third spring at both ends for enhanced road-course stability, along with an adjustable front wing to fine-tune under varying track conditions. A total of 32 RT41 chassis were constructed, with 12 in 1994, nine in 1995, five in 1996, and six in 1997-1998, powered by the 1.6-liter engine delivering about 240 horsepower through a four- or five-speed transmission. Even after Ralt's acquisition by in 1993, production and support for the RT41 continued under March Cars Ltd. and later Steve Ward, enabling strong performance in the 1997 despite emerging competition from other manufacturers. Beyond the core Atlantic lineup, Ralt produced the RT5 in the early 1980s for the series, a niche category using Volkswagen-derived engines and serving as an entry-level stepping stone in American club racing. The RT5 employed an aluminum with ground-effect elements, a 1.8-liter VW , and a five-speed , designed for SCCA Super Vee events with 13-inch wheels and focus on affordability and reliability over outright speed. Limited production of the RT5, along with occasional adaptations, rounded out Ralt's minor variants, emphasizing versatile, road-legal components for regional and club-level competition.

Racing Achievements

European and National Formula Successes

Ralt's entry into European Formula 2 marked a period of strong performance, with the works team securing three championships in 1981, 1983, and 1984 using the RH6 chassis. In 1981, Geoff Lees clinched the title for Ralt Racing, demonstrating the car's reliability across the season's rounds. In 1983, drove the updated RH6 to victory in the championship, while took the 1984 crown in the same model, underscoring Ralt's engineering edge in the category. These successes highlighted Ralt's transition from customer supplier to dominant constructor in continental open-wheel racing. In Formula 3, Ralt enjoyed even greater dominance in national series, particularly in and during the late 1970s. The RT1 chassis powered to the 1978 British Formula 3 championship, where Ralt claimed 24 victories out of 28 races, establishing an early benchmark for the marque's junior formula prowess. By 1980, the RT3 model contributed to Stefan Johansson's championship win in the BARC British series after he switched to it mid-season, securing the final four races. In , Bertram Schäfer won the 1978 national title aboard an RT1, further extending Ralt's influence across European grassroots racing. Ralt's impact extended to international events with national significance, notably in , where the RT4 chassis swept the Australian Grand Prix from 1981 to 1984. triumphed in 1981, 1983, and 1984, while secured the 1982 victory, all in RT4s that adapted seamlessly to Formula Pacific regulations. A pivotal moment came in 1980 when the team, a former Ralt customer, achieved a 1-2 championship finish in European F2 with and , building on their prior experience with Ralt to propel drivers toward Formula 1. These results served as a launchpad for emerging talents, including , who briefly raced an RT3 in British F3 before his rapid ascent.

International Series Wins

Ralt's entry into the inaugural series in 1985 marked a significant international expansion, with the RT20 chassis securing four championship race victories that season, including the opening BRDC International Trophy at won by . Thackwell also triumphed at Spa-Francorchamps and Enna-Pergusa, while teammate John Nielsen added a win at , demonstrating the RT20's competitiveness against established and designs despite the series' transition from Formula 2. Thackwell additionally won the non-championship . These results contributed to Ralt's tally of over 20 F3000 race wins across the decade, often in the face of intensifying competition from Reynard and . In 1986, the RT20 chassis continued Ralt's strong form, claiming multiple poles and victories, such as Pierluigi Martini's win at , while the RT20 remained viable for privateers like Luis Perez-Sala at . The following year, the RT21 model achieved further success with two race wins, including Roberto Moreno's victory at , underscoring Ralt's engineering adaptability in the evolving F3000 landscape. Although Ralt did not secure an overall F3000 title, these performances highlighted the chassis's role in nurturing talents like , who raced the RT23 for Cerumo in the 1991 Japanese F3000 series, winning at and finishing 7th overall before advancing to Formula 1. Parallel to F3000, Ralt dominated Formula Atlantic internationally, particularly in the British series where the RT4 chassis powered Ray Mallock to the championship with nine victories, building on David Leslie's 1980 title win. Across the Atlantic, Ralt's RT40 and RT41 models swept the and Canadian championships from 1992 to 1997, culminating in Alex Barron's 1997 Toyota Atlantic title in the RT41, where he secured five race wins for a dominant season performance. The RT4 also excelled in key international events, with Roberto Moreno driving it to overall victories in the Australian Grand Prix in , 1983, and 1984 at circuits like Calder. Collectively, Ralt chassis claimed more than 10 championships in F3000 variants and Atlantic series combined, cementing their status as a pivotal platform for global driver progression.

Post-Ralt Developments

Ralt's Later Production and Legacy

Following the 1988 acquisition of Ralt by and the subsequent 1993 takeover of March by Andrew Fitton and Steve Ward, production continued on a limited basis, with the RT41 model built for the until regulations shifted in 1997, extending overall output to exceeding 1,100 cars from to 1998. Approximately 70% of these vehicles were dedicated to junior formulae such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula Atlantic, underscoring Ralt's pivotal economic role in sustaining the ecosystem by providing affordable, reliable that enabled widespread privateer participation and international exports. Ralt's design legacy, rooted in Ron Tauranac's emphasis on customer-oriented engineering—prioritizing lightweight aluminium-honeycomb monocoques, adaptable suspension systems, and cost-effective adaptability—influenced subsequent constructors like Reynard and Lola, who adopted similar philosophies for scalable production in open-wheel racing. Today, Ralt chassis remain active in historic and vintage racing events worldwide, supported by ongoing parts availability from specialists such as CHV Engineering and PA Motorsport, ensuring their mechanical longevity and appeal to collectors. As of 2025, Ralt chassis continue to compete in major historic racing series worldwide, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Culturally, Ralt's impact endures through its record of over 100 championships across global series, including multiple European Formula 3 titles (1975, 1981, 1983, 1984) and British Formula 3 wins (1983 with , 1990 with , 1991 with ), which solidified its status as a dominant force in junior racing. This success also positioned Ralt as a key pipeline for Formula 1 talent, launching careers of drivers like Senna, Häkkinen, and directly from its and F3000 platforms.

Tauranac's Final Years

Following his departure from Ralt in 1994, Ron Tauranac continued to contribute to motorsport through consulting roles. In 1995, he began working with , designing an F3-style school car and the Ronta car. He further consulted for on touring car projects in the and British Touring Car Championships in 1996. During the 1990s, Tauranac also served as a for the Arrows Formula 1 team, providing expertise amid their challenges with engine performance. In 2002, after the death of his wife Norma following 49 years of marriage, Tauranac returned to , initially settling in before moving to the Sunshine Coast in . He retired there during the , remaining active and independent while maintaining a keen interest in , including historic racing events. Tauranac's career, capped by his foundational role at Ralt, earned him lasting recognition in the field. Tauranac had been an Honorary Member of the British Racing Drivers' Club since 1971. He was awarded the in 2002 and inducted into the Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame in 2017. On July 17, 2020, Tauranac passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95 at his home in . He was survived by his daughters, and Jann. Tributes upon his death emphasized his innovative legacy, with his family stating he was "active, healthy, and independent until the end, he constantly felt the need to achieve something and always had the next goal in mind."

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