Derek Gardner, the man who created the Tyrrell's famous six-wheeler, has died at the age of 79.
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Ken Tyrrell (left) with Derek Gardner and Patrick Depailler sitting in the P34. (Photo: Archives) |
Before joining Tyrrell's team in 1970, Derek Gardner first worked in F1 for Matra in 1969 to help development of a four-wheel drive system.
He helped design the first Tyrrell 001 which clinched the pole position at its first race in Canada with Jackie Stewart at the wheel. The following year, the Gardner-designed Tyrrell 003 was taken to the world title by Jackie Stewart.
Derek Gardner was also widely known as the brainchild behind the unique six-wheeler Tyrrell P34 that raced in 1976 and won the Swedish Grand Prix.
Despite the championship successes, Derek Gardner became disillusioned with F1 and left the category in 1977.
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View of the front end of the P34. (Photo: Archives) |