The Tyrrell P34/2 occupies a singular position in motorsport history: it is the only six-wheeled car ever to start a FIA Formula 1 World Championship race. GP Replicas captures the No. 4 entry assigned to Patrick Depailler across the entire 1977 season in a 1:18 resin model, reproducing the dark blue and white Elf livery that made the Tyrrell-Elf one of the most visually distinctive cars of the decade. This is the P34/2 specification — the second-generation evolution of Derek Gardner's original design — raced in its final competitive season before the project was permanently shelved.
Derek Gardner's Six-Wheel Solution
Designed by Derek Gardner, the Tyrrell P34 replaced the conventional pair of front wheels with four 10-inch tyres arranged in two tandem axles. The rationale was aerodynamic: a smaller frontal area from the tyre package reduced drag, while the additional rubber contact patch offered theoretical grip advantages. For 1977, the P34/2 received revised rear suspension geometry and wider rear bodywork. A persistent technical handicap, however, was tyre supply — Goodyear steadily reduced its development investment in the 10-inch front tyre size, limiting the engineers' ability to optimise the front axle as the season progressed.
Depailler and the Final Season
Patrick Depailler carried car No. 4 throughout the 1977 championship, with Ronnie Peterson in the sister No. 3 entry. Depailler scored points finishes across the season, demonstrating both his commitment to the unconventional machine and the car's ability to compete. By the close of the 1977 season Tyrrell had taken the decision to abandon six wheels entirely, returning to a conventional four-wheel layout for 1978. This car and livery therefore represent the concept at its final, fully developed state.
The GP Replicas 1:18 Scale Model
GP Replicas is a specialist manufacturer whose catalogue focuses on high-fidelity Formula 1 resin reproductions. At 1:18, the model captures the P34/2's six-wheel layout — four small-diameter fronts and two conventional rears — along with the Elf title-sponsor graphics, No. 4 roundels and the dark blue Tyrrell bodywork. The Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0-litre V8 installation and rear bodywork details reflect the wider rear track adopted for the 1977 specification. Resin construction allows the fine surface detail and panel definition expected at this scale from a specialist producer.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Tyrrell P34/2 historically significant?
The Tyrrell P34 is the only six-wheeled car to compete in a Formula 1 World Championship race. Designed by Derek Gardner, it used four 10-inch front wheels to reduce aerodynamic drag. The P34/2 was the evolved 1977 specification, raced in the car's final season.
Why did Tyrrell stop using the six-wheel layout?
After the 1977 season, Tyrrell retired the P34 concept. A key factor was Goodyear's declining investment in the specialist 10-inch front tyre size, which compromised development and the car's competitiveness relative to conventional rivals.
Who manufactures this 1:18 model and what is it made from?
The model is made by GP Replicas, a specialist producer known for detailed Formula 1 replicas. It is built in resin, the material that allows the fine surface and livery accuracy associated with top-tier collector models at this scale.
