Background –
The Shadow DN11 was a Formula One racing car developed by Don Nichols’ Shadow team for the 1980 season. It was designed by Tony Southgate and John Baldwin during the emerging era of ground-effect aerodynamics. Built with an aluminium monocoque chassis and powered by the widely-used Ford-Cosworth DFV 3.0-liter V8 engine, the DN11 reflected the engineering approaches common among independent teams of the time. The three cars built were driven by Stefan Johansson, Geoff Lees and David Kennedy, as Shadow continued its involvement in Grand Prix racing, and it represented the team’s efforts to adapt to the rapidly evolving technical landscape of a new decade in Grand Prix machinery. Chronically underfunded in period, the DN11 never reached its full potential with just one Grand Prix finish achieved in South Africa, however these cars have seen contemporary success in historic racing.
Chassis No. DN11-03
One of Shadow’s very last F1 chassis, and its sole attempt at ground-effect, Chassis 03 is offered for sale for the first time publicly since the 1980 Monaco Grand Prix, after which Shadow founder Don Nichols put it straight into his personal car collection. During the season, it was driven by Stefan Johansson in Argentina and Brazil, then David Kennedy at Kyalami, Long Beach, Zolder and Monaco. However, it wasn’t a successful year and a lack of funding led to Nichols selling the team to Teddy Yip, who rebranded the team ‘Theodore’ mid-season. Despite being taken across the globe, chassis 03 failed to qualify on all occasions, whilst the sister car (chassis 02) managed one Grand Prix finish.
Our vendor took custodianship in 2019, following Nichols’ death, with ZUL Racing then undertaking a mammoth comprehensive restoration of the car to their usual industry-leading standards. Its Cosworth DFV had been removed by Ford, first to power the ‘Supervan’, then a C100 Group C prototype, however it was tracked down, rebuilt and reunited with the car, as well as locating Shadow’s original moulds and jigs to set the car up correctly.
Certification & Mileage –
Historic Technical Passport: Yes
Issuer: Motorsport UK
Expiry Date: 31st December 2035
Short Stroke DFV (works spec unit by Geoff Page) – 0 miles
Gear cases are original to the car but with all new internals
New belts and extinguisher to be fitted at the point of sale
FIA Fuel bladder by Premier Fuel Systems, valid to August 2030
Eligibility –
Monaco Historique – Série F
The biennial Monaco Historique is the jewel in the crown for historic Formula One cars. Held over three days in early May, this event holds several races, with this Shadow DN11 eligible and likely to be accepted at the discretion of the organisers for the Série F grid (for Formula One cars constructed between 1977 -1980). The next running of the Monaco Historique is set to take place in May 2026. A similar DN11, chassis no.2 was entered at the 2022 event and finished 15th overall.
Masters Racing Legends
For Formula One cars built between 1966-1985, Masters Racing Legends holds a full annual calendar. Events take place at iconic circuits, including Silverstone and Spa. In addition, the series also offers an ever-increasing number of support races at some Formula One grand prix weekends, such as the US and Mexican Grand Prix.
Monterey Motorsports Reunion – Mario Andretti Trophy
This annual event occurs during the iconic Monterey Car Week at the world-renowned Laguna Seca circuit which, in 2025 is officially celebrating Formula One. Holding races for a wide range of competition cars, this Shadow DN11 would be eligible for the Mario Andretti Trophy for Formula One cars constructed between 1966-1985. The next running of the Monterey Motorsports Reunion is set to take place August 12-15, 2026.
Spare Parts –
4 spare front Dymag wheels crack tested and Chromated
2 new rear split rim wheels in boxes
Cockpit mould
Nose mould
Engine cover mould (as it ran at Monaco 1980)
Original cockpit (as it ran at Monaco 1980)
Original nose (as it ran at Monaco 1980)
Original engine cover (as it ran at Monaco 1980)
Selection of original sides Inc. sliding skirts (as it ran at Monaco 1980)
Original roll over hoop in aluminium
Rear upright jig
Wishbone factory jigs
Spare wishbones and rockers (a set have been crack tested and Keyphossed.)
Assorted spare anti roll bars
Spare oil tank
Gearbox / rear suspension eagle plates front and rear
Assorted brackets, stabilisers, other numerous parts.
Spare wheels nuts, rear shock bottom mounts, steering yolks etc
Pipes, oil cooler etc
Fuel tank foam
Car Location: this car is located at our Knutsford showrooms in Cheshire, United Kingdom where viewings are welcome by appointment.
