F1 Sauber C16A 01 1997 rolling chassis

We offer you the chance to own this Sauber C16, chassis 01. This is an original monocoque which has no racing history, but was used by the team to make sure the racing chassis were in perfect working order. The car has no engine, and spent 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. We are currently having the car restored 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.

The description of this (consignment) car is, to the best of the our knowledge, accurate and not misleading. GPCARS4SALE requests a range of detail about the cars from the owner and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections in the showroom of GPCARS4SALE as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to buy. 

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is buyers’ responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to buy.