Modern technology for Historic Race and Rally Cars

How Modern Brake Tech Keeps Historic Race and Rally Cars on Track

Historic race and rally cars continue to defy expectations. With ongoing developments in engine performance, suspension tuning, and modern tyre compounds, these vintage machines are going faster than ever — more often faster than they did in period. But while speed continues to evolve, braking systems are sometimes left behind due to regulations requiring original calipers and other components, along with restrictions around wheel diameter.

This creates a significant challenge: the braking systems on these cars are being pushed to — and sometimes beyond — their design limits.

That’s where the right choice of brake pad, disc, and fluid can transform a car’s braking performance and consistency.

At MSB, we supply WinmaX and CIRCO Racing brake pads — two brands well-known in modern motorsport , including the historic scene. MSB offers a wide range of compounds that suit classic calipers such as Kelsey Hayes, Wilwood, AP, Volvo, Sumitomo, Girling and others, delivering high friction, excellent modulation, and temperature resistance in even the most demanding conditions.

But brake pads are only part of the equation. The fluid behind the pedal is just as critical. High-temperature fluids like CIRCO MF1200+ and WinmaX BF-1 maintain consistent pedal feel under extreme conditions — essential in historic vehicles where pedal travel is limited and cooling may be marginal. Using a lower-quality fluid risks a spongy or ‘long’ pedal due to boiling and vaporisation — a common issue in Historic race and rally cars.

Historic rally cars in particular benefit from pads with strong initial bite and wide thermal windows. Compounds like WinmaX W6.5 and CIRCO M119 deliver consistent braking performance from cold starts right up to over 800°C — perfect for special stages where there’s no time to ‘warm up’ the system.

If you're pushing the limits in a Group N race car, Historic rally car, classic Touring Car, or a Sports Sedan, you don’t have to settle for period braking performance. The right pad and fluid combination can bring confidence back to the middle pedal.

Talk to the team at MSB to find the best braking solution for your historic race or rally car.

And don’t forget our part finder at msbgarage.com which has the most comprehensive parts look-up tool for performance and competition parts – including x-ref information from Alcon, AP, Girling, Kelsey-Hayes and heaps more.