Legacy Metrics

1978 Tyrrell 008 Formula 1 Single-Seater (Cosworth)

008/3racingUnited Kingdom
Engine
3.0L Cosworth V8

The Tyrrell 008/3 is a 1978 Formula 1 monocoque single-seater designed by Maurice Phillippe for the ELF-backed Tyrrell team, powered by a Cosworth DFV 3-litre engine. It was the primary race chassis of Patrick Depailler throughout the 1978 season, in which he achieved the most significant result of his Grand Prix career — a victory at Monaco — alongside a second place on the car's debut at Kyalami and further points finishes at Brands Hatch and the Österreichring. Three of the five 008-series cars survive.

Ownership

  1. 2024-05-10Auction sale
    Sold €880,000 (≈ $968K)

    Bonhams catalogue lot →

  2. 1978 →Factory delivery
    ELF Team Tyrrell
    full documentation

    Original constructor and race operator; chassis was Depailler's primary mount for 14 of 16 rounds in the 1978 season. Team lost major sponsorship at season end and faced financial constraints into 1979.

Competition

  1. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 South African Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick Depailler2nd

    Chassis racing debut; Depailler started 12th and fought through to second, nearly catching the leading Lotus 78 on the final lap.

  2. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 United States Grand Prix West
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerPractice only — did not race

    Chassis used solely in practice sessions at Long Beach; did not contest the race.

  3. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Belgian Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 13th; retired during the race.

  4. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Spanish Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 12th; retired during the race.

  5. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Swedish Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 12th; retired during the race.

  6. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 French Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 13th; retired during the race.

  7. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 British Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick Depailler4th

    Qualified 10th; finished fourth at Brands Hatch.

  8. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 German Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 13th; retired during the race.

  9. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Austrian Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick Depailler2nd

    Qualified 13th; finished second at the Österreichring.

  10. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Dutch Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 12th; retired during the race.

  11. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Italian Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerDNS (restarted race)

    Qualified 16th; sustained damage in the first start and did not take part in the restarted race.

  12. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 United States Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick DepaillerRtd

    Qualified 12th; retired during the race at Watkins Glen.

  13. 19781978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Canadian Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick Depailler5th

    Qualified 13th; finished fifth in Montreal.

  14. 1978-05-071978 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
    1978 Monaco Grand Prix
    Driver: Patrick Depailler1st

    Depailler's sole career Grand Prix victory; led from mid-race after Watson's retirement and won by over 22 seconds from Lauda, starting from the fifth row.

Maintenance & restoration

No maintenance or restoration records.

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