Driving
a six-wheeled vehicle can be done in various legally permissible ways. The
Mercedes-AMG G63 6×6, Hennessey’s Velociraptor 6×6, and many dually
pickups provide an extra pair of wheels on the road. But what about on the track? For those with deep pockets, an opportunity awaits to acquire a piece of history with the upcoming auction of the iconic 1977 Tyrrell P34 Formula
1 car at
RM Sotheby’s in Monaco on May 10 and 11, coinciding with the city’s annual Historic Grand Prix.
This particular P34, while not a product of the ’70s or ever raced in
F1, was constructed in the 2000s using chassis #8, an original, unused P34 chassis from 1977. Sporting a period-correct Ford-Cosworth DFV engine and a Hewland manual gearbox akin to its F1 contemporaries, this car, a part of driver Jody Scheckter’s collection, has claimed victory at the Monterey Historics race
meet and is deemed eligible for similar events, preserving its status as a genuine relic of F1 history, despite not gracing a Grand Prix circuit.
The Tyrrell P34 stands out as one of the most iconic F1 cars, not for its speed but for its distinctive design. Derek Gardner, a Tyrrell
designer, conceived the six-wheeled idea to counter front-end lift. The P34’s quartet of small tires, contained within the body width, offered similar grip through a different approach. While it functioned as intended, Gardner stated that it provided the car with the power equivalent of an extra 40 horses.
Yet, practical execution didn’t match up with theoretical benefits. While effective for grip and aerodynamics in ideal conditions, the six-wheel design posed challenges during braking due to the intricate balance required between two front axles and a rear axle. Scheckter noted that braking grip was compromised through corners, despite him securing the P34’s lone victory at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix. Wresting with the complexities, Tyrrell eventually abandoned the experiment after the 1977 season due to tire procurement issues.
Evaluating the Tyrrell P34 solely based on its racing achievements overlooks its true essence. It may not have dominated the circuit or achieved remarkable success, but it stands as a testament to the inventiveness of 1970s Formula 1 and ranks among the most captivating race cars in history. The highest bidder for this P34 will not only possess a unique vehicle but also a conversation starter at every vintage racing event.
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