One of the most unusual Formula 1 cars will be put up for auction (19 photos)

In May 2024, the Tyrrell P34 formula car will be put up for auction in Monaco. This is not an original car from the second half of the 1970s, but a later replica. Nevertheless, they expect to earn from 450 to 650 thousand euros for the car, since historically accurate parts were used in its construction.





The idea of a three-axle Formula 1 car belongs to designer Derek Gardner. He decided to use more compact front wheels on the sports car to reduce drag and optimize air flow; in essence, the tires were hidden behind the front fairing. However, their reduction had a negative impact on the stability of the car, so Gardner used a second pair of wheels. Thus, he hoped to increase the contact patch in the front of the car and, accordingly, improve its behavior.

The Tyrrell P34, which hit the tracks in 1976, became something of a sensation, but lasted only two years on the calendar. The steering scheme for four wheels at once turned out to be too complex, and two axles made the car excessively heavy. During the first racing season, other shortcomings of this arrangement were revealed. The six-wheeler has only one victory - at the Swedish Grand Prix, although P34 pilots have been on the podium more than a dozen times.

The replica that will be put up for sale was born in 2008. According to RM Sotheby's, it is based on the original Tyrrell chassis number 8 - it was built in the second half of the 1970s, but was never used. In addition, the replica is powered by a historically accurate engine developed by Ford and Cosworth. It is argued that the status of the car will provide its owner with the opportunity to participate in the most prestigious classic car races.