Tyrrell becomes constructor

When Ken Tyrrell became disenchanted with the poor performance of the March 701 chassis during the 1970 season, one victory only for Jackie Stewart, he decided he would design and build his own car and become a Formula One constructor.

The Tyrrell 001 was born. It was a Formula 1 racing car which was designed by chief designer, Derek Gardner, was powered by the V8 Cosworth, and used at the end of 1970 and the beginning of the 1971 season. The project, codenamed “SP” which meant “Special Project” cost Tyrrell over £22,000 of his own money.

The resulting car made its debut at Oulton Park (picture above) at a non-championship race, in the hands of Jackie Stewart, but retired. It then competed in the final three rounds of the season in North-America. Jackie Stewart took pole in the Canadian Grand Prix (picture below), but retired while leading. Nevertheless, the car proved to be competitive and a good base for the 1971 championship.