Description:

Background –

 

Tony Southgate had designed the original Shadow DN9 before he left for Arrows and John Baldwin had been charged with developing the car during 1978. When he left for McLaren, Richard Owen did much of the development on the 1979 DN9B, before being joined by ex-ATS designer John Gentry. The three remaining works DN9s were updated over the winter to DN9Bs, but there is no record of which DN9 became which DN9B. A new numbering system was used, so these were regarded to be new cars using old monocoques. A fourth DN9B was built later, and the team took four cars to each race for a period mid-season. Reigning European F3 champion Jan Lammers and the previous year’s Monaco F3 winner Elio de Angelis were brought in as ‘Works” drivers. At the British GP, the cars appeared transformed by a change to outboard rear brakes, but this improvement was short-lived. The only points scored were in the final race, in the rain at Watkins Glen, where de Angelis had a fine run to fourth place.

 

Chassis No. DN9-3B –

 

We are delighted to offer for sale Chassis DN9 03-B. Purchased by the current owner in 2015, the car has been actively campaigned and developed subsequently, culminating in an impressive pole position and win at Estoril in October 2024. During the 1979 season, chassis 3B is documented to have been driven by Elio de Angelis on twelve occasions, however its story isn’t quite that simple. Following a seventh place finish at the ‘USA West’ GP on 08.04.79, Shadow entered DN9-3B at the Brands Hatch ‘Race of Champions’ just a week later. With the car still stranded on the West Coast of the USA, Don Nichols and his team prepared their new (and unique) DN9 ‘C-‘specification chassis for the event; Elio drove the Villager Cigars-liveried car to an impressive 6th place overall. Subtly different to his usual mount, the C-specification tub was nicknamed “Skinny Lizzy” by the works as it had flat cockpit sides and marginally deeper tunnels thought to generate more downforce. The original Chassis 3B returned from the States to compete at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks later, failing to finish, before being involved in a major accident at Zolder. From this point forward a new DN9B was built and entered for the rest of the season, listed as DN9 3B-2, with a best result of 12th overall at Silverstone.

 

The car we offer today is accompanied by a comprehensive history file which includes a letter dated 17-7-1993 from Don Nichols to his friend and neigbour Phil Schmidt. It reads “This is to confirm that Shadow DN9 “C” type, SN DN9-3B is at this date sold to Phil Schmidt c/o PS Engineering Inc. The amount of $50,000.00 USD being the agreed upon total consisting of attached inventory prepared by Don Nichols of AVS/UOP Shadow/Phoenix Organisation Inc. It is also noted there are no liens upon this car and that title is clean and clear inclusive of correct racing history and lineage.” The car changed hands again in June 2004 entering the collection of Ed Swart in a swap for his Rondeau M382-002 Le Mans prototype. Our vendor purchased the car in 2015 and set about restoring the car to its Brands Hatch ‘ROC’ configuration, obtaining FIA HTP papers in the process. Nick Edgington of Edgington Racing were tasked with rebuilding the monocoque and Paul Knapton of X-tec Engineering rebuilt the long-stroke Cosworth DFV. The car has been driven at a variety of high-profile race meetings, including class wins with Masters, against some younger machinery!

 

Certification & Mileage –

 

Historic Technical Passport: Yes

Issuer: Motorsport UK

Expiry Date: 12/34

Long Stroke DFV – Refresh advised.

Belts valid to 2028, fire extinguisher bottle dated to 03/32 and next service due is 03/26.

FIA Fuel bladder valid to 11/27.

 

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 DN9 being a possibility for acceptance at the discretion of the organisers (for the Série F grid – Formula One cars constructed between 1977 -1980). The next running of the Monaco Historique is set to take place in May 2026.

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 DN9 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.

 

 

Website:

https://adamsykes.co.uk/cars-for-sale/competition-cars/1979-shadow-dn9-historic-f1/

Keyword Search Terms:

F1, Formula One, Cosworth DFV, Shadow, Masters, GP