Osella FA1B Historic F1

Osella introduced its interim FA1B at the 1980 Italian GP, to be followed by a pair of restyled FA1Bs in 1981. These later cars featured a modified chassis with the driver sitting further forward, and a structure stiffened by carbon fibre panels. Initially driven by Beppe Gabbiani and Miguel Ángel Guerra, the FA1B showed greater promise when Jean-Pierre Jarier was drafted in as a replacement, scoring two eighth places before the end of the season.

This immaculate example is one of the later cars (chassis number 3), which was briefly converted to a Can Am car in 1983 but has ultimately been reverted back to correct specification and joined a leading collection of Historic F1 cars. Prepared to the collection’s customary high standards the Osella was raced in Masters and Historic F1 events throughout 2010. More recently it was demonstrated at the 2016 Goodwood Members Meeting.

The FA1B is eligible to compete in some high-profile events worldwide, including Masters Historics and the Monaco Historique. It is offered complete with slicks and wets on wheels, current and previous HTP papers. As a Cosworth-engined ground effects car it represents a potentially competitive and comparatively economical entry to some fabulous events.