13 replies to this topic

[irvine99]

I just read Tyrrell used in 1971 cars with two different wheel bases:

short: 2340 mm for Stewart

and

long: 2470 mm for Cevert

True?

[Gary C]

Probably right, Jackie was smaller than Francois, wasn't he?

[john t]

Yep. Doug Nyes 1975 book 'The Grand Prix Tyrrells' says the same thing; Francois was taller than JYS hence the difference in wheelbase.

[PeterElleray]

not totally sure about this but i think that the prototype -001 - or 'SP' had the shorter wheelbase. 002,003 and 004 which were built up during 1971 all had a longer tub (4") and wheelbase (1 1/2"), the change being made to accomodate Francois but Stewarts car(s) were the same. autocourse lists 003 as 95.7" which would make 001 94.2".. although 001 and the three later 'mk.1' tyrrells look susperficially similar they are infact almost completely different under the skin - mk 1 1/2...

peter

[Bonde]

...all of which has left me wondering: Where in the chassis was the length added? My guess is at the front, as that would leave most of the tricky compound curvature panelling and the fuel bag unaffected.

[Red Socks]

The whole issue of the different widths and lengths of Formula 1 cars over the last 40 years is rapidly becoming a real problem for FIA Historic Technical Passports. Indeed not only F1 but all single seat and two seat racing cars.The FIA now demands specific evidence for any wheelbase or track measurement claimed for any applicant for an HTP. As some of us recall period reporting in Autosport and the like referred to long cars, short cars etc and a look through GPI for example shows cars running wheels in differerent relative location to the bodywork, thus different track, from race to race. Often cars were altered from practice to practice or practice race ands needless to say those detail measurements no longer exist, and were often not made public.
If anyone out there has a set of manufacturers sheets for a seasomn or two it would prove really useful.

[PeterElleray]

Originally posted by Bonde
...all of which has left me wondering: Where in the chassis was the length added? My guess is at the front, as that would leave most of the tricky compound curvature panelling and the fuel bag unaffected.

hi anders - i wondered that too ! i agree with your thoughts although i cant find it recorded anywhere. however the seat tank area on both cars is completeley different (001 vs 002/3/4), as are the engine mounts - 001 didnt have the full 360 deg roll hoop that all later tyrrells up to 008 had. the front suspension beam was also quite different, so in the middle of all that lot - it got longer...

peter

[Bonde]

...which leads me to further speculation: How much was actually reused from 001 to 002/003/004? Apart from the differences you mention above, Peter, 001 also had, among other things, different lower front wishbones, aluminium bodywork initially, and staggered rivet patterns on the side skins, whereas 002/003/004 had single rows, suggesting narrower flanges on the close-out panels, the original 001 versions probably having been more difficult to form.

[Doug Nye]

To the best of my recollection the prototype 001 tub was constructed by Mo Gomm's specialists at Gomm Metal Developments, now sadly erstwhile, of Old Woking. The subsequent tubs were fabricated by Ken's own guys in the Long Reach, Ockham, workshops...to progressive standards in light of experience, development and designer Derek Gardner's ever-higher requirements.

DCN

[David M. Kane]

I think it was one strong looking tub, very well built and very clever.

[PeterElleray]

Doug, David, Anders - if i get a chance i can ask Derek, but , based purely on my own observations, i would say a case of the designer feeling he had pretty much got the concept right but, in the light of experience with his first complete F1 design (001), and with input from the team running it, and now about to make new examples of it, could see a lot of improvements in the details - doubtless with many fresh ideas of his own..

a super car, and imho opinion, 001 in its original form with the high front wing, bigger screen and without the airbox, a superb looking car.

and there's a matra ms80 debate to be had here if we're up for it...;)

peter

[philippe7]

Originally posted by PeterElleray
and there's a matra ms80 debate to be had here if we're up for it...;)

peter

Sure , why not ! See this post and the following ones

http://forums.autosp...S80#post2220576

[Bonde]

Peter,

I think we could - and probably will - anoraxiate on for ages about the nuts 'n bolts of 1970s cars, but I'll have to give it a miss for the next few days...the family wants my time...

Merry X-mas, everyone!

[gio66]

Originally posted by Doug Nye
To the best of my recollection the prototype 001 tub was constructed by Mo Gomm's specialists at Gomm Metal Developments, now sadly erstwhile, of Old Woking.

Is it the same Mo who rent (or sell) the first Rondel factory in 1970?

Thank you.