Gould Racing

GR51

The GR51 refined the GR37 concept, using a Ralt carbon fibre tub customised for hillclimbing. It was powered by a DTM-derived Opel-Cosworth V6 enlarged to 2.8 litres, mated to an Arrows F1 gearbox. Though down on absolute power versus 4-litre V8 rivals, its compactness and light weight gave a superior power-to-weight ratio suited to twisty British hillclimbs. Graeme Wight Jr. won consecutive championships in 2001 and 2002 driving the GR51. He also competed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2002 and 2003, the only appearances of a contemporary British Hillclimb Championship car at that event.

GR55 and GR55B

The GR55 marked a shift from using Ralt F3 chassis to in-house design and manufacture, though its aerodynamics and chassis philosophy evolved from the GR51. It originally used a Nicholson-McLaren 3.3-litre V8 derived from a Ford Cosworth XB 2.65-litre Champcar unit, enlarged and naturally aspirated. Adam Fleetwood won back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004 with the GR55 before moving to circuit racing. In 2005 the GR55B appeared, externally near identical but refined through finite element analysis to reduce weight by 25 kg, now fitted with a 3.5-litre Nicholson-McLaren engine.

Martin Groves dominated with the GR55B, winning the title in 2005, 2006, 2007, and again in 2010, a unique achievement in hillclimbing. Both models have become popular with competitors, accepting various engines including F1-derived Cosworth HB 3.5-litre and Judd 4-litre V8s, and later modifications such as paddle-shift sequential gears and traction control.

GR61X

The GR61X is a further evolution of the Gould hillclimb line, produced as a one-off for father and son Roger and Scott Moran around the same time as the GR55B. It features refined aerodynamics and enhanced lateral head protection from higher cockpit sides and a padded surround. It uses the same 3.5-litre Nicholson-McLaren V8 as Martin Groves' GR55B. Scott Moran won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009, with further titles in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2016, making the Morans the first father and son title winners in British Hillclimbing. After Roger retired at the end of 2014, Alex Summers won the 2015 title driving the car alongside Scott Moran. The GR61X was the first Gould chassis fitted with F1-style paddle-shift sequential gears and traction control.

GR59

Unveiled in 2012, the GR59 is an all-new hillclimb chassis with a more compact design, extensive carbon fibre in the suspension including carbon fibre pushrods, and a full rear supporting structure for non-stressed engines. It has a raised nose and chassis front end, unlike the GR55 and GR61X which had a raised nose mated to a low front end. A dramatic three-plane front wing was introduced in 2016. The car's powerful underfloor generates downforce while minimising drag, evidenced by a rear wing smaller than regulations allow; the only change has been an extra element in the lower beam wing. The GR59 features a light, slim rollover structure that lowers the centre of gravity and passes MSA tests. It has been run with various powerplants from a turbocharged 1300cc motorcycle engine to an enlarged 3300cc Cosworth XD V8, proving a one-size-fits-all solution for hillclimbing.