AN odd F1 car once driven by an ex-world champion will go on sale for an eye-watering price.
The bizarre six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 replica is set to go under the hammer in May and is expected to make a whopping £544,000.
msothebysJody Scheckter’s six-wheeled car will be sold this summer[/caption]
msothebysIt’s a Tyrrell P34 replica[/caption]
The P34 originally raced during the 1976 and 1977 seasons and this replica was made many years later in 2008.
As this particular model – owned by none other than racing legend Jody Scheckter – has never raced it’s in “excellent condition.”
The motor’s peculiar six-wheeled design is the brainchild of Tyrrell technical director Derek Gardner.
He figured that he could package smaller wheels below the wing.
The second set of rubber would make up for the tinier size’s reduced contact patch.
There would also be reduced drag compared to the air flowing over the taller tires competitors used.
Gardner also reconed that having two additional wheels might mean better braking.
Despite the clever idea in practice racing drivers struggled with the layout.
Scheckter told Motor Sport magazine in 2008: “The braking was supposed to be better: well, it was when you were braking in a straight line, but as soon as you turned in, the little wheels slid, and you had to come off the pedal, so there was no advantage there.”
Although there were design weaknesses, against the odds the P34 did find success on the track.
Scheckter drove the car to its only outright victory at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix.
He and teammate Patrick Depailler had a total of 10 podium finishes that season, including coming in second and third, respectively, at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The marvellous motor is a sight to behold with clear panels cut into the body giving the driver a view of the tires.
It also has portholes which allowed them to better position the car while cornering and gauge tire wear.
Scheckter’s car appears to have been built to 1976 specs, going by the brake-cooling NACA ducts on the front wing.
Tweaks for the 1977 season included a revised design with large mesh panels.
Since this P34 isn’t a genuine race-used item, the new buyer has less of a reason to keep it locked away and more incentive to take it for a spin.
It’ll go up for auction in May at RM Sotheby’s sale in Monaco, with an estimated price of £381,000 to £544,000. with no reserve.
It comes as the formula 1 legend’s spectacular car collection which includes a rare classic is set to go on sale in an auction.
F1 fans with deep pockets will be eager to purchase some of the rarest classic cars still around.
The car which secured Jody’s World Championship is just one of many incredible motors up for auction in Monaco.
The 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 is estimated to sell for between £4.5million and £5.5million, with the whole collection estimated to go for around £11million.
Among Jody’s incredible collection of F1 cars, a rare classic road car is also expected to wow petrolheads at the auction.
The 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ is a stunning motor previously owned by a Scuderia Ferrari driver.
msothebysThe car will be sold in Monaco[/caption]
msothebysIt’s expected to make around £544,000[/caption]