Rare Opportunity to Bid on the Legendary Six-Wheeled Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 Racer!

Picture the scene at the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix as not one, but two P34s crossed the finish line in a historic one-two triumph, solidifying their status as trailblazers in Formula 1 lore. Prepare to be captivated by the story of innovation, triumph, and the unforgettable roar of the six-wheeled marvel that left an indelible mark on the sport.

Behold the remarkable tale of the 1977 Tyrrell P34, born from chassis number eight and steeped in racing history. Initially crafted as a spare by the Tyrrell racing team, this unique machine remained dormant until the mid-1990s when a passionate project began to restore it to its former glory.

Fast forward to 2008, and the P34 made its triumphant debut at the Monterey Historics, clinching victory in the fiercely competitive 1970s F1 racing series. Its storied journey took an intriguing turn when it was acquired by none other than F1 legend Jody Scheckter, the very same driver who piloted a P34 to victory at the Swedish Grand Prix. Now, this iconic piece of motorsport heritage is poised to find its next custodian as it goes under the hammer at RM Sotheby's prestigious auction in Monaco.

The origins of the Tyrrell F1 team are as humble as they are legendary, tracing back to a modest woodshed. Ken Tyrrell, a former RAF serviceman turned timber merchant after World War II, laid the groundwork for his racing empire amidst the sawdust and shavings of his family's workshop. Transitioning from a Formula 2 driver to a team manager, Tyrrell's knack for talent scouting became evident when he first introduced Jackie Stewart to the world of Formula Junior racing, setting the stage for Stewart's illustrious F1 career and three world championships under the Tyrrell banner.

But behind every great team lies a brilliant mind, and in Tyrrell's case, it was Derek Gardner, a quintessential British tinkerer with a penchant for innovation. Gardner, immersed in his garage tinkering with four-wheel-drive systems, caught Tyrrell's attention for a monumental task: constructing a competitive racing chassis. Despite initial setbacks with his first creation, Gardner's subsequent masterpiece, the 003 model, proved its worth on the track with Stewart behind the wheel.

Gardner's ingenuity reached its zenith when he recognized a loophole in the F1 regulations, which had rendered the competition almost uniform with Cosworth V-8 engines, Hewland gearboxes, and Goodyear tires. Seizing the opportunity, Gardner devised a groundbreaking solution: the unprecedented six-wheel Tyrrell P34. By exploiting the ambiguity surrounding tire regulations, Gardner revolutionized F1 design and paved the way for Tyrrell's dominance on the racetrack.

Drawing inspiration from an initial idea geared towards IndyCar, Gardner conceptualized a groundbreaking six-wheeled racer with four steerable wheels upfront, ingeniously designed to snugly fit within the bodywork. This sleeker profile, coupled with minimized lift from a concealed pair of front tires, allowed for a reduction in necessary front downforce and subsequently decreased drag. Gardner's calculations suggested an additional 40 horsepower equivalent advantage—a game-changer in the world of racing.

Christened Project 34, or simply P34, this revolutionary car was shrouded in utmost secrecy during its development phase. Even the drivers remained oblivious to its existence, while the Goodyear engineers tasked with crafting the minuscule 10-inch front tires remained tight-lipped. Racing journalist Denis Jenkins vividly recounted his astonishment upon encountering the P34 for the first time at Ken Tyrrell's residence, a moment that left him speechless and in awe of the audacious innovation.

The P34 made its debut at the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix, leaving spectators mostly befuddled by its unconventional design. While teammate Jody Scheckter piloted a conventional Tyrrell 007, French driver Patrick Depailler took to the track in the sole P34 chassis, stunning the grid with a remarkable third-place qualifying position.

The pinnacle of the P34's legacy came at the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix, where it achieved a historic one-two finish, etching its name in racing annals. However, despite its triumphs, the P34 experiment eventually waned, plagued by challenges in tire development. Goodyear's reluctance to allocate resources towards the specialized 10-inch tires hastened the demise of this pioneering project.

Nonetheless, the P34's victories reverberate through time, solidifying its status as one of the most captivating and innovative machines to grace the F1 grid. Owning this race-ready exemplar presents a rare opportunity to possess a tangible piece of F1 history, a chance to relive the glory days of motorsport innovation. Don't miss your opportunity to bid on this iconic piece of racing history at the upcoming auction, scheduled for Saturday, May 11th.

Driving the INFAMOUS 6-WHEELED F1 car! | Tyrrell P34 I Formula 1 | Ben Collins I 4K