Protos' sleek aerodynamics and wooden monocoque!

In 1967, designer Frank Costin took full advantage of the very open nature of racing's regulatory framework.

Inspired by designs in the aircraft industry, the British engineer penned a Cosworth-powered F2 racer constructed entirely from timber!

The Protos-Costin was a bold concept but also a dangerous one which didn't really offer any real advantage over a traditional monocoque. The car sported some sleek aerodynamics however, with a perspex canopy integrated into its bodywork.

Back in the day when the German Grand Prix at the daunting Nurburgring accepted F2 cars in its field, Ron Harris Racing entered two Protos in the 1967 race, for Brian Hart and Kurt Ahrens.

Both cars retired in a race won by Brabham's Denny Hulme.