Formula Vee RPB 1967

THE HISTORY OF RPB

RPB is an abbreviation of "Racing Plast Burtträsk". In late 60's RPB was one of the most common Formula Vees in Scandinavia. In 1967 this Swedish make ruled the Formula Vee competitions in Northern Europe; PeO Boström won the Swedish national championship. During winters FVees were raced also on ice and Boström won the Swedish ice racing cup too. In Finland RPB was seen for the first time at the first race of the Keimola circuit where a RPB won the first Formula Vee race on Finnish ground.

The succes of the marque contionud in 1968 when a new star, Anders Burlin, rised to headlines. Also Burlin won the Swedish championship in RPB.

In the early 70's the first generation RPBs became incompetitive together with other Formula Cars according to "old rules" and disappeared from circuits. The RPB factory continued though their succesfull production with their new models also in 70's.

THE HISTORY OF THIS CAR

The car of the pictures returned to daylight as a barn find in the middle of 80's at Södertälje classic car market in Sweden. Car was moved to Nyköping, where a long term FV-enthusiast Bert Lehnberg put it together to rolling condition and sold it further. The car moved from one owner to another between Nyköping and Linköping. Names on the list are for example Grape, Sickling, Lind and Fulmestad. In 1993 it ended to Mats Lundvall in Bjursas. Mats and a known VW-enthusiast Gösta Rustas put their forces together and the old red and black racer was reborn.

In autumn 1994 RPB was standing again in the starting grig fitted with old Saab tyres and Mats Lundvall, who was in his first ever race, was holding the steering wheel. That race at Mantorp was mainly a test, but Mats was hooked and in the end of the season he bought the winning car of the Swedish FVee -series, Svenne Hedman's fine Hedman. RPB became thus redundant.

At this stage the current owner joins the story. It was agreed with Mats that the now yellow RPB would move to Finland fitted with a 34hp standard VW engine, because Mats wanted to keep its race engine as a spare one for his Hansen. RPB traveled on a ferry just like all other cars. It was driven on the ferry with the help of its own engine at Stockholm and off at Helsinki for a big surprise of other passengers and port workers.

In Finland RPB is fitted with an FV engine built by Ecurie JudeX. It has also received a new paint, wind screen according to original pattern, mirrors etc. but most of the old modifications made during its lifespan are maintained. Also finish is typical for the period.

In spring 1996 RPB got international FIA papers. Since that it has actively taken part the Historic races in Finland and also in Sweden. All this with great succes. In over 80% of the races it has been amongst three fastest in its class being also very reliable. It has finished all its races towards the end of the season 2001.

Best achievements: 1st in the Historic Grand Race Ahvenisto '96, 1st in the Historic Race at Kemora '97, 1st in the Historic Grand Race Ahvenisto 2000, several 2nd and 3rd positions.

Achievements abroad: 3rd in class at Anderstorp 1996, overall 3rd at Knutstorp Historic Superprix 1997.

Results at the Finnish series: Season '97: 3rd, '98: 2nd, '99: 1st., 2000: 3rd.

Make: RPB Manufacturing Year: 1967 Manufacturing Country: Sweden Competition No.: 54 Class: Historic formula Vee, period G Engine: VW Type 1 1300 cc, 66 hp Gearbox, steering, front suspension, brakes: VW Type 1 Wheels: Front VW 4.00 x 15, rear VW 4.50 x 15 Tyres: Dunlop Racing Formula Vee Chassis: Tube chassis, squeare profile tubing Body: Fiberglass, 3-part Weight: 430 kg (min. weight of the class 375 kg) Top Speed: 190 km/h Owner/Driver: Kim Petterson, Siuntio Crew Chief: Hannele Hatanpaa, Siuntio Club: Historic Race Finland Team: Ecurie JudeX