Product Description

We're giving F1 car collectors the rare opportunity to add this exceptional rolling chassis to their garage. This Sauber C16 was made for the 1997 season, and was used by the team for ensuring their chassis for the year were in working order. 

Despite not being used to race in, this original monocoque has a unique background. 

This rolling chassis car may have no engine, but it's certainly got a story to tell. In fact, it spent most of its life in Scandanavia, where it belonged to a Ferrari Dealership and was decorated with Ferrari livery. Under its new team guise, it was then bought by a collector who took care of it for many years before it was then acquired and restored to its original Sauber livery and fit with time correct Goodyear tyres.  

Now, this striking car is ready for a new home. 

About the 1997 C16 

The 1997 season marked Sauber's fifth in Formula 1, and by then the small, Swiss team had managed to make a solid impression. Powered by Mercedes-Benz and Ford respectively, the team collated good results, which in turn led to solid backing from brands such as Red Bull and Petronas, who would later go on to be famous in their own rights.  

In 1997, the team used Ferrari customer engines for the first time. With them, Ferrari's long-serving test driver Nicola Larini was appointed to race the Sauber C16, alongside Britain's Johnny Herbert. Herbert was a two-time Grand Prix winner by then. 

Larini, a former DTM-champion, went on to score points in the first race, but after failing to impress more he had to give up his seat to make way for Gianni Morbidelli, who would later be replaced by Norberto Fontana as Ferrari's influence in the team grew.  

Fontana and his Sauber would go on to take the spotlight in the title-deciding final race, letting race leader Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari through, but famously blocking second-placed Jacques Villeneuve.

This car, therefore, has an exciting history and was part of one of the most thrilling seasons of the 1990s. It has links to Ferarrari, and with its sponsorship it is also linked to the later legendary teams Red Bull Racing and Mercedes.   

The Rolling Chassis 

This car was originally built by Sauber and has been modified (such as the livery changes aforementioned) over the years. It has now been fully restored and is accurate to the previous owner's best knowledge.

It is advised that those interested in owning should do their own inspection before committing to the sale.  It is also not uncommon for classic vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life.  

Please enquire if you have any questions. 

•    Add to Watch List
• Tweet

Please note: All auction items will include an Admin Fee of 10% of the winning price which will be added to the total when taken to checkout.