1955 Australian Grand Prix

The 1955 Australian Grand Prix was a motor race held at the Port Wakefield Circuit in South Australia on 10 October 1955. The race, which had 22 starters, was held over 80 laps of the 2.09 km (1.3 mi) circuit. It was open to Formula Libre cars[1] of unlimited capacity.[2] The race was promoted by Brooklyn Speedway (SA) Ltd. and was organised by the Sporting Car Club of SA Inc.[3]

1955 Australian Grand Prix
Formula Libre race
Race details
Date	10 October 1955
Location	Port Wakefield, South Australia
Course	Permanent racing facility
Course length	2.09 km (1.3 mi)
Distance	80 laps, 167.3 km (104 mi)
Weather	Sunny
Pole position
Driver	Reg Hunt	Maserati
Fastest lap
Driver	Jack Brabham Reg Hunt	Cooper-Bristol Maserati
Time	1'03
Podium
First	Jack Brabham	Cooper-Bristol
Second	Reg Hunt	Maserati
Third	Doug Whiteford	Talbot-Lago

It was the twentieth Australian Grand Prix and the first to be held on a purpose built motor racing circuit after the previous 19 were held on closed streets or country roads, or on airfields modified for the purpose. Future World Champion Jack Brabham won his first Australian Grand Prix in a streamlined Cooper-Bristol that Brabham, having recently joined the Cooper team, had assembled himself and sent to Australia. It was the first time a rear-engined car had won the AGP, although this was seen as an upset win and a rear-engined car would not win again until 1960.