70s Time Warp: The Glory of B Sedan Racing
BMW. Datsun. Alfa Romeo. These are three very different car brands from three very different places, with very different histories—and yet, for a time during the early 70s these three brands battled wheel to wheel on race tracks across America during the golden era of the SCCA Trans Am Sedan Championship.
For those of us who weren't around to experience the heyday of Trans Am racing—the photographs, grainy film footage and stories only make us wish we could have been there. And until someone events a time machine, that's all we have.
VARA's B Sedan Group
But thanks to a group of dedicated racers the spirit of that era is still alive and well, and during the VARA Oktoberfest event at Buttonwillow Raceway we were able to watch a group of B Sedan racers party like it was 1971.
One of the things we love about the Vintage Auto Racing Association is how it shows the hobby of vintage auto racing isn't just for the ultra wealthy, and nothing symbolizes that grassroots spirit better than the B Sedan group.
With a field usually consisting of three different cars—the BMW 2002, Datsun 510 and Alfa Romeo GT Veloce there's a rulebook to insure that the cars are different, yet evenly matched, and the result is some of the most exciting racing today, vintage or otherwise.
In the early '70s, the Trans Am series was about marketing as much as it was about racing, and each of the brands used racing to build a strong brand image. At the time, these brands had much different reputations than they have now—and each would take a dramatically different path from that point on.
Building BMW's Popularity In America
First there was BMW—the iconic German brand that today is known for its mix of sport and luxury, and of course the image that comes with that legendary blue and white logo.
BMWs have been beloved by driving enthusiasts for decades, and the potent little BMW 2002 is one of the cars that helped create the idea of the modern sports sedan. Thanks in large part to its success on the race track. The 2002 would eventually be replaced by the 3-series, a model still immensely popular today. It's a very big reason why BMW became so successful, not just in America but all around the world.
Datsun 510 Launches the Brand to New Heights
Then there was Datsun, which would of course become Nissan. While early Japanese imports were primarily known for their low prices and excellent fuel economy, the Datsun 510 was something more.
With its overhead cam engine and independent rear suspension, the 510 was a driver's car. Thanks to the efforts of people like Peter Brock the 510 backed up its image with a Trans Am championship in '71.
Nissan would become one of the most popular Japanese brands in America—the 510 one its most beloved models, helping to inspire a generation of loyal fans.
A Different Path for Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo had a different path. With its Bertone styling and exotic double overhead cam engines, the GTVs delivered Italian performance and panache while still in the form of a traditional sedan.
The Alfas were very successful in the small displacement Trans Am series, winning the championship in '70 and finishing second in both '71 and '72. But the Alfa Romeo brand would have a much different story in the U.S.
By the 80s, Alfa Romeo had pretty much disappeared from the American market, only to return in recent years as part of the Fiat Chrysler group. But with the impressive modern iteration of the Giulia, it seems like the return was worth the wait.
Ready to Race VARA?
Unlike the cars you'll find at the big ticket historic races, the cars that run in VARA's B Sedan group don't need to be the actual chassis that raced back in the day–but they are all true to the period, and that's what is most important. Even with increasing demand and rising prices, one could still find a 2002 or 510 chassis for relatively cheap and build it up to go racing... without breaking the bank.
With basic mechanical layouts and analog technology, it's easily one of the most attainable ways one could get a proper vintage racing experience. The cars are also challenging to master in the driver's seat, but not so powerful as to demand expert skills just to stay on the track.
If you live near any of the tracks that hosts this series, do yourself a favor and check it out because you are in for a great show.
And if you are considering a jump into the world of organized sports car racing as a participant, maybe consider doing it the old school way?
With this mix of history, cool cars and exciting competition, vintage B Sedan racing has all the ingredients for greatness. We have a huge respect for the dedicated racers that keep the spirit alive today.
