Frank Gardner exiting the troublesome Brabham BT5 at the Times Grand Prix race at Riverside near Los Angeles in 1963. Ian and Mavis Walker look on whilst John Pledger and Gordon Swanson investigate the fault after the prototype car threw a rod on the 35^th lap. This came after a series of DNF’s for Gardner in the BT5 that year and understandably, Ian wanted shot of the car.

Being proactive and meticulous in every he undertook, Ian had already advertised both the Lotus 23B and Brabham in Autosport the previous month to build interest. This was after calculating the fees to transport the cars back to the UK and deciding that it just wouldn’t be cost-effective for the team.

With both cars wearing For Sale signs in the paddock, Ian was fortunate enough to strike a deal for both cars. The Lotus 23B was sold to a Canadian Doctor by the name of Phil Smyth who had been stalking the team all weekend and the Brabham BT5 was snapped up by Peter Sachs; an American racing driver who went on to enjoy great success with the car.

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