CAR-CHING
World’s weirdest racing car which is only one of its type in motor sports history is on sale for a staggering £11MILLION
F1 drivers found a problem with the unusual design
THE world's weirdest racing car is now up for sale with an incredible £11million price tag.
The extraordinary six-wheeler Grand Prix car - the only one of its type in motor racing history - was launched by Brit F1 team Tyrrell nearly 50 years ago.
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The unique car caused a motor-racing sensation when it arrived on the grid for the first race in 1976 and proved competitive from the start with driver Ronnie Petersen behind the wheel.
Tyrrell went on to clinch a one-two finish in the Swedish Grand Prix that year.
The Tyrell P34 originally raced during the 1976 and 1977 seasons and this replica was made many years later in 2008.
Swede Peterson helped in the development of the car but was tragically killed two years later in an opening lap crash in the Italian Grand Prix that turned his car into a fireball.
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He was rescued by brave driver Brit James Hunt but tragically died later in hospital from his injuries.
Now an exact replica of the Tyrrell that turned a concept into a competitive racer is up for sale with specialist Speedmaster based in Yorkshire.
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.
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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.
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There would also be reduced drag compared to the air flowing over the taller tyres competitors used.
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."
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 comes as the Formula 1 legend's spectacular car collection which includes a rare classic is set to go on sale in an auction.
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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.
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