The Formula 2 Brabham BT40 was the idea and work of Geoff Ferris and is very similar in design concept to his previous F2 car, the BT38. The full monocoque chassis is made from 16 gauge NS4 inner and outer skins with square section steel tube bulkheads, front and rear. It has no external piping to increase the aerodynamic drag of the car, and also to allow a clear airflow to the centrally mounted radiators. The body is molded from fiberglass with a 1/8th" thick perplex screen. A Formula 1 style rear wing, with built in curling railing edge, is used to increase download. The four valve Cosworth BDA engine in this Formula Atlantic version of the BT40, as with the F2 model, is mounted in a tubular subframe, suspension is conventional with coil spring damper units mounted outboard all around and the wheels are a fully machined conical design formed from magnesium alloy, with the front wheels incorporating a brake cooling system. The BT40 has an excellent power to weight ratio and all this adds up to a wonderfully quick car with good handling. It is very easy and fun to drive.

Formula Atlantic was a hotly contested North American series that helped to train driving stars such as Bobby Rahal, Keke Rosberg and Gilles Villenueve, as well as becoming popular in the UK, where drivers like Tony Brise emerged through the formula.