The upcoming edition of the Estoril Classics will take over the Autódromo do Estoril from October 4th and 6th. This year, the star attraction of this classic car event is the presence of the iconic Tyrrell P34, the only Formula 1 car with six wheels ever used in competition.
This unique vehicle made its debut in the 1970s, a time when teams were experimenting with different chassis designs in a bid to gain an edge in Grand Prix racing. The mastermind behind this six-wheeled single-seater - featuring two standard wheels at the rear and four smaller ones at the front - was engineer Derek Gardner.
The concept aimed to reduce aerodynamic drag (with the front tyres hidden, more air flowed over the rear of the car, making it more efficient). However, more wheels also meant more weight - a constant challenge when designing faster cars - and brake cooling proved to be another issue.
Despite these challenges, Tyrrell entered the car in the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama. French driver Patrick Depailler was the first to race the car, while his teammate Jody Scheckter, initially sceptical, stuck with a more conventional machine before eventually giving the six-wheeler a try.
Despite facing some brake issues, Depailler managed to put in a solid performance. At the Monaco Grand Prix, he even secured a third-place finish, bringing a six-wheeled car onto the Formula 1 podium. The P34 went on to claim victory at the Swedish Grand Prix, this time with Scheckter at the wheel. By the end of the season, with ten podium finishes and one win, the Tyrrell P34 helped Ken Tyrrell’s team secure third place in the Constructors’ Championship - just 12 points behind the champions, Ferrari.
Ultimately, the lack of development on the front tyres led to the project's ultimate failure. In its second season, the car couldn’t replicate the previous year’s success. Nonetheless, it left a lasting mark on the history of motorsport - and this iconic piece of racing heritage will be on display in Portugal, delighting Formula 1 fans and classic car enthusiasts alike.
The car will be presented in its 1976 configuration, with the engine exposed, just as it was when Jody Scheckter claimed victory at the Anderstorp Grand Prix. Today, an original P34 is valued at over a million euros.
This will be the main attraction at the 2024 edition of Estoril Classics, with tickets available for 20€ (Friday) or 35€ (Saturday and Sunday). A full weekend pass costs 50€, and children under 16 have free access to the paddock when accompanied by an adult.
The complete programme—which includes races and demonstrations featuring cars from various eras and categories - can be found on the event’s official website.
Estoril Classics, Autódromo do Estoril, Avenida Alfredo César Torres, Alcabideche. 4th-6th Oct. 20€-50€