Weird ONES - In the rich tapestry of Formula 1 history, the current regulations confine the sport within stringent boundaries, leaving little room for the groundbreaking innovation that defined its early years. Some of the most eccentric Formula 1 car designs hail from the 1970s and early 1980s.
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| A portrayal of the ambiance of Formula 1 racing in the 1970s, brimming with diverse racing car designs. (Picture from: AutoSportFoto.sk) |
Let's embark on a journey down memory lane to explore some of the most unconventional creations that once graced the tracks.
1. March 711
The March 711, a peculiar-looking vehicle designed by Robin Herd and Geoff Ferris for the 1971 season, continued its presence throughout 1972. With a front wing resembling either a tea tray or surfboard, it may have raised eyebrows for its unconventional aesthetics.
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| The 1971 March 711 had a distinctive front wing that looked like a serving tray. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
However, despite its peculiar appearance, the car showcased impressive speed, propelling Ronnie Peterson to five podium finishes and a second-place standing in the 1971 drivers' standings.
2. Eifelland Type 21
The Eifelland Type 21 of 1972 was one of the strangest-looking cars ever
to compete in Formula 1. The project was funded by the German Eifelland
caravan company, at the behest of its boss Günther Henerici, a racing
enthusiast. Eifelland had previously sponsored the promising German
driver Rolf Stommelen in Junior Formulae and had decided to enter
Formula 1 with their driver.
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| The 1972 Eiflland Type 21 featured an unusual single rearview mirror positioned directly in front of the driver. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
The Type 21 F1 racer was a March 721 chassis number four. All resemblance to the
factory Marches was lost when Eifelland designer Luigi Colani penned the
extraordinary bodywork for the new car. Colani was an unusual designer,
believing that every surface should be curved. The racing car featured
an unusual single rearview mirror positioned directly in front of the
driver—a design choice that likely didn't contribute to enhanced
visibility.
3. Ligier JS5
When talking about the ugliest F1 car in history, the Ligier JS5 is
definitely in the top nomination. The Ligier JS5 is very famous among F1
fans because the shape of the car is really very strange, because it
has an airbox that has a very unreasonable shape.
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| 1976 Ligier JS5 with a distinctive, oversized air intake. (Picture from: Fandom) |
This JS5 was Ligier's debut F1 racer took to the tracks in 1976 with a
distinctive, oversized air intake that gave it an uncanny resemblance to
a teapot. Although it might have seemed like the creation of a
cartoonist, Jacques Laffite managed to secure three podium finishes
while piloting this peculiar machine.
4. Tyrrell P34
The Tyrrell P34 is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric F1 cars ever
conceived, designed by Derek Gardner, Tyrrell's chief designer. Sporting
six wheels—four small ones at the front and two large ones at the
back—this design aimed to reduce drag and increase the overall contact
patch of the front tires.
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| The 1977 Tyrrell P34 with 6 wheels. (Picture from: MotorBiscuit) |
Despite its unorthodox appearance, the P34 proved successful, competing
in 30 races in 1976 and 1977, achieving one victory and 13 podiums.
However, the team faced challenges in further developing the design,
leading to its abandonment in 1978.
5. Brabham BT46B
Gordon Murray's 'fan car,' the Brabham BT46B, caused quite a stir when
it made its debut at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. Developed in response
to challenges recreating the ground effect of the Lotus 79'.
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| The 1978 Brabham BT46B featured with fan to cool the engine at rear. (Picture from: Otosia) |
It was modified version of the BT46 featured with a masive fan to cool the engine and generate substantial downforce. Despite controversy and subsequent banning, Niki Lauda's victory in the race remained.
6. Ensign N179
The Ensign N179, designed by Dave Baldwin, was utilized by Ensign F1 Racing Team during the 1979 Formula One season. Featuring a bizarre 'step-ladder' front end and a new system of front radiators, the N179 aimed to cool the engine and enhance underside downforce.
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| The 1979 Ensign N179 featured with a bizarre 'step-ladder' at front. (Picture from: F1Technical.net) |
However, issues with engine cooling led to excessive heat in the cockpit, and despite its peculiar aesthetics, the design quickly fell out of favor.
7. Williams FW07D
In 1981, both Ferrari and Williams experimented with six-wheeled cars. The Williams FW07D, tested by Alan Jones at Donington Park, featured four driven rear wheels and two non-driven front wheels. This
design transitioned to the FW08B, maintaining six wheels. However, both
cars never saw competitive action as the FIA promptly banned
six-wheeled vehicles.
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| The 1983 Williams FW07D with 6 wheels. (Picture from: SnapLap) |
These unique and unconventional Formula 1 creations not only pushed the boundaries of design but also added an element of excitement and surprise to the sport's history. While many of these designs were short-lived, they remain indelible in the memories of racing enthusiasts as testaments to the quest for innovation in the world of Formula 1. *** [EKA [04032016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORBISCUIT | SNAPLAP | MEDIUM ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
