Description:

1980 ARROWS A3 – HISTORIC FORMULA 1 CAR FOR SALE

Chassis No. 4 | Cosworth DFV | FIA Historic Technical Passport

Offered for sale by Boutsen Classic Cars

Boutsen Classic Cars is pleased to offer this authentic Arrows A3 Formula 1, chassis number 4, an outstanding example of a Historic Formula 1 car from one of the most exciting eras of Grand Prix racing.

The Arrows A3 represents the team’s return to a conventional and highly effective Formula 1 design after the experimental A2. Designed by Tony Southgate, with Dave Wass, the A3 is renowned for its narrow, compact and well-balanced chassis, combined with excellent straight-line performance.

A FORMULA 1 ICON FROM A LEGENDARY ERA

Introduced for the 1980 Formula 1 season, the Arrows A3 made an immediate impact.
Riccardo Patrese scored a magnificent second place at the Long Beach Grand Prix, quickly followed by Jochen Mass, who also finished second at the Spanish Grand Prix, proving the true competitiveness of the car.

This was the golden age of Cosworth DFV-powered Formula 1 cars, ground-effect aerodynamics and pure, mechanical racing. With no electronic driver aids, the Arrows A3 delivers an authentic and visceral driving experience, exactly as Formula 1 was meant to be in this period.

TECHNICAL EVOLUTION AND PERIOD CONTEXT

As rival teams further refined their ground-effect skirt systems, Arrows gradually slipped back into the midfield. Nevertheless, the A3 remained a well-engineered and competitive machine.

Without skirts, the car proved particularly effective: Riccardo Patrese claimed pole position at Long Beach and led comfortably before a fuel-feed issue intervened.
The team’s progress was later affected by the renewed tyre wars, following Goodyear’s withdrawal from Formula 1, leaving Arrows on uncompetitive tyres.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer: Arrows Grand Prix International
• Model: A3
• Chassis: No. 4
• Years: 1980–1981
• FIA Period: IR (1977–1985)
• FIA Class: F1 / 4
• Engine: Cosworth DFV V8 DOHC – 2993 cc
• Gearbox: Hewland
• FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP):
  • Issued by ACI
  • Valid until 31 December 2029

ENGINE & CONDITION

The legendary Cosworth DFV engine has recently been bench-tested by HMP Sàrl (Switzerland), a renowned specialist in historic racing engines.

The test results confirm a strong and healthy engine, delivering close to 500 horsepower, fully compliant with period specifications and offering the unmistakable sound that defined an entire generation of Formula 1.

The car is in running condition, professionally maintained by historic Formula 1 specialists, and has recently been used on track, with onboard and external videos available.

RARITY & ELIGIBILITY

Only six Arrows A3 chassis were built.
Today, the location of all six cars is known, with only four examples in running condition, making this chassis a particularly rare opportunity.

Thanks to its valid FIA Historic Technical Passport, this Arrows A3 is eligible for the most prestigious Historic Formula 1 events, including:

• Monaco Historic Grand Prix
• Masters Historic Formula One
• FIA Historic Formula One Championship
• Peter Auto / Classic F1 events

A RARE OPPORTUNITY

This Arrows A3 chassis no. 4 offers the rare chance to acquire a genuine Historic Formula 1 car, representing a pivotal era of Grand Prix racing, fully eligible, well documented and ready for historic competition or prestigious demonstrations.

Price and further information available upon serious request
Car available for viewing by appointment.

Boutsen Classic Cars
International specialists in exceptional race and collector cars.

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