FULL GALLERY OF PHOTOGRAPHS COMING SOON
Background –
Originally launched at the end of 1979, the first of the line of FA1 Osellas, powered by the obligatory combination of a Cosworth DFV engine and a Hewland gearbox was born – known as the FA1A. The disastrous overweight and bulky looking FA1A was soon replaced by the FA1B, a no less bulky looking, but lighter car at least saw the team finish a race.
For 1982, four completely new cars, designated FA1C were designed by Giorgio Valentini.
These new cars showed signs of significant improvement over the former incarnations with points scored at Imola for the San Marino GP. During the summer of 1982, new cars then morphed from FA1C spec chassis to FAD, which incorporated new regulations including a flat bottom. Raced by Piercarlo Ghinzani and Corrado Fabi. The upgraded cars were an interim improvement prior to a new chassis being penned by Tony Southgate. Southgate’s new FA1E was built to accommodate new power from an Alfa-Romeo V12 engine.
Osella FA-1-D – 03
The Osella FA-1D was a remarkable piece of motorsport history built for the 1983 Formula 1 season. This car is powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV engine and served as an interim model before the mid-season launch of the Alfa Romeo-engined FA1E.
The car was owned, campaigned and demonstrated heavily by the late Terry Sayles for a good number of years and maintained by the respected Zul Racing during this period, winning a TGP class along the way. The car appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the ‘Flat Broke and Fearless’ 2015 edition of the event and was piloted up the hill by Lorina McLaughlin.
As the third of three cars constructed by Osella to accommodate the DFV engine chassis, this vehicle was designated as the spare car at the beginning of the season, but is understood to have been driven by Ghinzani and Fabi. The design of the FA1D is widely regarded as one of the most attractive F1 cars of the era, and importantly, this is currently the only known example of its kind still in existence, either in collections or actively racing today.
Recent Refurbishment
The Osella has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment by Mirage Engineering of Norfolk, ensuring it is safe, legal and competitive for its next custodian.
Brief –
- Car was fully rebuilt and refreshed by Mirage Engineering over the winter of 2023-2024
- Engine is a strong short stroke rebuilt by Geoff Richardson to their newest spec (350 miles old)
- Gearbox gear cluster was serviced and by PDS in 2023 (350 miles old)
- Car has new lightweight carbon sideboards made December 2024
- Car has fresh repaired lightweight carbon kevlar underfloor
- Car has brand new exhaust system made by OJZ engineering
- 4no brand new front wheels (3 sets of wheels in total 1 on the car and 2 spares)
- New wiring loom made January 2024
- New gauges and instrumentation 2024
- New fuel lift pumps and collector system January 2024
- New titan steering rack with 2 gear options for speed July 2024
- New front hubs machined January 2024
- New CV joints January 2024
- GSD race dynamics Nigel Rees full report and setup
- Freshly repaired and painted carbon front wings
- New fabricated pedal box made and fitted February 2025
- New front wishbones January 2025
- New machined rocker pins front and rear February 2025
- New wheel nuts January 2024
- New Appendix K ROPS compliant roll hoop fabricated and fitted January 2024
- New throttle cable February 2025
Certification & Mileage –
Historic Technical Passport: Yes
Issuer: Motorsport UK
Expiry Date: 31st December 2032
Short Stroke DFV (latest spec) by Richardson – 350 miles
Crack testing, expired 2025
Fuel tank expiration 06/2026 (Premier fuel cells)
Eligibility –
Monaco Historique – Série G
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 Osella eligible and likely to be accepted at the discretion of the organisers for the Série G: F1 Grand Prix cars 3L (1981–1985). The next running of the Monaco Historique is set to take place in May 2028. Note – This car was accepted for the 2024 event.
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 Osella would be eligible for the Mario Andretti Trophy for Formula One cars constructed between 1966-1985.
Car Location: this car is located at our Knutsford showrooms in Cheshire, United Kingdom where viewings are welcome by appointment.
