Formula 2 Birrana Zampatti

Formula 2 Birrana Zampatti

Open wheeler previously raced by Peter Brock

The below is an excerpt from the June 2026 Edition of the Museum Musings

While Peter Brock is legendary for his touring car career, he had a brief but notable stint in open-wheel racing during 1973.

The “Zampatti” connection refers to Bernie Zampatti, a Perth based racing enthusiast who later became the long-term owner of the open-wheeler Brock famously drove. The Birrana 272 (specifically chassis 272-002), is an Australian-built Formula 2 car powered by a Ford engine.

Peter Brock entered the 1973 Australian Formula 2 Championship with the car managed as a “father and son” operation with his father, Geoff Brock. He finished 8th in the overall championship standings. His best individual result was a 2nd place finish at Oran Park. The car’s association with the Zampatti name comes from its post-Brock history.

After Peter Brock returned to touring cars, the Birrana passed through several hands before being acquired by Bernie Zampatti. Bernie remained the car’s owner for decades, keeping it as a significant piece of Australian motorsport history. The Zampatti family were active in the Australian historic racing and hill climb scene.

Ross Zampatti had a career spanning many decades in Motor Sports and was notably active in Australian Formula Pacific and Formula Brabham. He competed in various rounds of the New Zealand Formula Championships including races at Wanneroo Park and Sandown Park. He also participated in major endurance events such as the Nurburgring 24 Hour in Germany.

When Ross passed away we were fortunate to have the Formula 2 Birrana pass to the Motor Museum on permanent loan and it is now a prime exhibit.