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F1 SAUBER C16A 01 1997 ROLLING CHASSIS - SOLD

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Description:

We offer you the chance to own this Sauber C16A, chassis 01. This is an original monocoque and F1 Sauber so no dummy or replica.

The car has no engine, is a rolling chassis and spent after the ownership of Sauber F1 most of its life in Scandinavia, where it was owned by a Ferrari Dealership that put it in the livery of a 1997 Ferrari. In that guise, the car was bought by a collector, who cherished it for years before we managed to acquire the car. The F1 car is restored in july 2024 to its original livery, and will also fit time correct Goodyear-tires.

1997 was Saubers fifth season in Formula One, and by then the small, Swiss team had managed to make a solid impression. Powered by Mercedes-Benz and Ford respectively, the team amassed good results, which in turn led to solid backing from brands like Red Bull and Petronas, who would later go on to be famous in their own rights. In 1997, the team would use Ferrari customer engines for the first time. With them, Ferrari’s long-serving test driver Nicola Larini was appointed to race the Sauber C16, alongside Briton Johnny Herbert. Herbert was a two-time Grand Prix winner by then, but he was loved and revered mostly for his sense of humour, and the way in which he fought his way back after an accident in F3000 left him with lasting leg injuries.

Larini, a former DTM-champion, would score points in the first race, but after failing to impress more he’d be forced to give up his seat to the higher rated Gianni Morbidelli, who would later be replaced by Norberto Fontana as Ferrari’s influence in the team grew. Fontana and his Sauber would go on to take the spotlight in the title-deciding final race, letting race leader Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari through, but famously blocking second-placed Jacques Villeneuve. This car, therefore, has an exciting history and was part of one of the most thrilling seasons of the 1990s. It has links to Ferarrari, and with its sponsorship it Is also linked to the later legendary teams Red Bull Racing and Mercedes.

Contact:

Ron Reinders

M: +31 6 6254 7903 | M: ron@gpcars4sale.com

Alex Reinders

M: +31 6 3194 6829 | M: alex@gpcars4sale.com