Tyrrell designer Derek Gardner passes away 11 Jan 2011
Former Tyrrell designer Derek Gardner has died at the age of 79. Gardner began his Formula One career in 1969, developing a four-wheel drive system for the Matra team.
The following year he joined Ken Tyrrell’s outfit and designed the Tyrrell 001, which made its first race appearance at the 1970 Canadian Grand Prix. Although driver Jackie Stewart stormed to pole position on the car’s debut, he later retired from the race itself after a stub axle failed.
In 1971, the Gardner-designed Tyrrell 003 powered Stewart to his second drivers’ title and the Tyrrell team to their first constructors’ championship. A third drivers’ title for Stewart followed in 1973.
As well as his championship successes, Gardner will be remembered for designing Tyrrell’s six-wheeled P34. The innovative car won the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix but the Briton left Formula One racing soon after to join the Borg-Warner engineering company.
