 A 1977-specification Tyrrell P34B | |||||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Tyrrell Racing Organisation | ||||||||||
| Designer(s) | Derek Gardner | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | 007 | ||||||||||
| Successor | 008 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||||
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque | ||||||||||
| Suspension (front) | Double wishbone, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar | ||||||||||
| Suspension (rear) | Double wishbone, radius arms, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar | ||||||||||
| Axle track |
| ||||||||||
| Wheelbase | 2,453 mm (96.6 in) | ||||||||||
| Engine | Ford-Cosworth DFV, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), 90° V8, NA, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted | ||||||||||
| Transmission | Hewland FG400 manual transmission, ZF differential | ||||||||||
| Weight | |||||||||||
| Fuel | Elf | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Goodyear | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Elf Team Tyrrell | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers | |||||||||||
| Debut | 1976 Spanish Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
| Teams' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only. | |||||||||||
The Tyrrell P34 (Project 34), commonly known as the "six-wheeler", was a Formula One (F1) race car designed by Derek Gardner, Tyrrell's chief designer.[1] The car used four specially manufactured 10-inch diameter (254 mm) wheels and tyres at the front, with two ordinary-sized wheels at the back. Along with the Brabham BT46B "fancar" developed in 1978, the six-wheeled Tyrrell was one of the most radical entries ever to succeed in F1 competition and has been called the most recognisable design in the history of world motorsports.[2]
The P34 was introduced in September 1975 and began racing in the 1976 season.[1] It proved successful and led other teams to begin design of six-wheeled platforms of their own. Changes to the design made for the 1977 season made it uncompetitive and the concept was abandoned for Tyrrell's 1978 season. The other six-wheeled designs ended development and F1 rules later stipulated that cars must have four wheels in total. The cars later had some success in various "classics" race events, but today are museum pieces.[1]
- ^ a b c "Six appeal - 6 fascinating facts about Tyrrell's six-wheeler". formula1.com. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
- ^ "Covini's six wheeled sports-car; Tyrrell P34 (inspiration)". Gizmag. 2003. Retrieved 2008-12-13.