The only ever F1 car to be made in South Africa will be racing at the prestigious Historic Grand Prix of Monaco which takes place this across the 13th-15th of May.
The racer was constructed by South African engine and racing driver Tony Kotzé in 1961. Tragically though, he passed away three weeks ago and will not be there to see his creation tear around the streets of Monaco which I'm sure you'll agree is a great shame.
The car is called The Assegai - named after the zulu spear - and despite its age, the race will mark its international racing debut. The car was set to appear in the 1962 Rand Grand Prix in Kyalami but wasn't able to qualify, although it has seen some track action since then.
After changing hands a few times down the years the car was bought a Historics at Brooklands auction in 2015 by former F1 team member John Carpenter. With the help of racing driver Iain Rowley and Nuffield-based Delta Motorsport, he got the car back to the same specification it would have been when at Kyalami and Rowley will be the helmsman in the race. Powering the Assegai is a 1.5 4-cylnder Alfa Romeo engine which is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
Speaking ahead of the event, Carpenter said: “It’s such an honour to be accepted by the ACM, The Automobile Club de Monaco, to compete the car at the tenth running of the biennial Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.
“Since buying the car at Historics at Brooklands last year, Iain and I embarked on a hugely time-consuming voyage of discovery to ensure the Assegai is presented in entirely original mechanical specification in all respects, as demanded by the organisers. It’s been a great challenge but also a real labour of love.”
Rowley added: “Let’s hope we are more successful at Monaco than the car’s creator at Kyalami in 1962 but whatever the outcome, it will be a hugely memorable experience, and a fitting tribute to Tony Kotzé and his unique racing car after so many years.”
I really hope it goes well and that the boys can do the car and its creator Tony Kotzé proud, godspeed chaps!