With a storied racing history and connections to the illustrious 1979 Formula One World Driver’s Champion, Jody Scheckter, the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 is unquestionably a piece of racing antiquity. Scheckter, endowed with the P34, the most bizarre F1 car ever both in design and functionality, is set to offer his personal remodeled racing artefact for acquisition. The innovative concept of the P34, its racing achievements, and its legacy in the motor racing fraternity, are all integral dimensions of this fascinating sports utility’s journey.
The Birth and Design of the Tyrrell P34
The P34 owes its distinctive six-wheel design to the revolutionary contemplation of the Tyrrell technical director, Derek Gardner. Gardner’s idea was to incorporate smaller wheels below the wing, essentially replacing the reduced contact patch of the smaller tyres with a supplementary set and thus reducing drag compared to air flowing over the taller tires used by competitors. This fresh, if not somewhat extravagant, approach to vehicle design set the stage for one of the most unforgettable contraptions in F1 history.
Scheckter’s Play in the P34
Jody Scheckter was one of the chosen few entrusted with piloting this unique machine. Garnering results with this atypical car on the real-world racing stage, as opposed to the drawing board, proved challenging however. Scheckter pointed out that while the additional wheels were expected to compliment the braking control, it actually offered no advantage, as the wheels would slide when turning.
Track Performance of the P34
Despite its design shortcomings, the P34 had its moments of glory on the track. Scheckter drove the car to its only outright victory at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix. Alongside teammate Patrick Depailler, they accumulated a staggering 10 podium finishes in that season alone, including coming second and third respectively at the Monaco Grand Prix. Their successes were disappointingly not reciprocated in 1977, with the P34 managing only four podium finishes.
Distinguishing Features
What made the P34 even more remarkable were some of its unique features. One of such was the clear panels cut into the body to allow drivers to view the tyres. These windows permitted the driver to better position the car while cornering and accurately evaluate tyre wear.
Sale of Scheckter’s P34
Scheckter’s personal P34, otherwise recognized as “Chassis 8,” has now been remolded into a fully-working race car and set to go up for auction. Its immaculate condition, due to its relatively short history since its restoration in 2008, proves an alluring point for potential buyers. The P34 will be offered through auction in May at RM Sotheby’s sale in Monaco, with an estimated selling price in the range of $490,000 to $700,000, steering clear of a reserve.