McKee Mk12 Chevy 302cid V8
Following the promising 1968 Mk 8, a lightly revised McKee Mk 12 was built for 1969. Three were built, for drivers Kurt Reinold, Chuck Trowbridge and Dick DeJarld respectively. Bob McKee designed relatively tough, safe, and durable racecars.
Like a Brabham, the Mk12 seems essentially practical and conservatively built. For example, every Heim joint seems at least one size larger than it might be if it were installed on a contemporary Lotus. (Among the advantages are that they might go a whole season without wearing out. Bob McKee wouldn't cut corners to build the lightest cars in their class.) On the other hand, McKee Engineering wasn't shy about utilizing new materials, new fabrication processes, and leading edge components.
In 1968 and 1969, Armco Steel Corporation was a particularly important partner. The frames and most of the suspension components of these cars were constructed of Armco's Grade 304 stainless steel tubing, with TIG welded joints. In this time period, Armco was developing some very high strength stainless alloys.
Following the promising 1968 Mk 8, a lightly revised McKee Mk 12 was built for 1969. Three were built, for drivers Kurt Reinold, Chuck Trowbridge and Dick DeJarld respectively. Bob McKee designed relatively tough, safe, and durable racecars.
Like a Brabham, the Mk12 seems essentially practical and conservatively built. For example, every Heim joint seems at least one size larger than it might be if it were installed on a contemporary Lotus. (Among the advantages are that they might go a whole season without wearing out. Bob McKee wouldn't cut corners to build the lightest cars in their class.) On the other hand, McKee Engineering wasn't shy about utilizing new materials, new fabrication processes, and leading edge components.
In 1968 and 1969, Armco Steel Corporation was a particularly important partner. The frames and most of the suspension components of these cars were constructed of Armco's Grade 304 stainless steel tubing, with TIG welded joints. In this time period, Armco was developing some very high strength stainless alloys.
