Super Aguri SA05 classic cars for sale

History of the Super Aguri SA05

The Super Aguri SA05 entered Formula One in 2006 as Super Aguri’s very first racing car. Its inception traces back to the Arrows A23, a chassis originally created in 2002 by respected engineers Mike Coughlan and Sergio Rinland. Mark Preston, who had worked on the initial Arrows project, oversaw the conversion and adaptation of the chassis for Super Aguri. This reuse of proven Arrows technology allowed Super Aguri to enter F1 quickly, although initially the SA05 ran at the back of the grid, serving mainly as a transitional car while Super Aguri prepared new developments.

Model History of the SA05

As Super Aguri’s debut entry in 2006, the SA05's roots lay in the Arrows F1 program, specifically the A23. After acquiring the Arrows intellectual property, Super Aguri reworked the basic monocoque for current safety requirements. The SA05 was used for the first half of the 2006 season before being succeeded by the updated SA06 chassis. There was no direct production predecessor or mainstream successor, as both cars were specific to Super Aguri’s short tenure in Formula One.

Highlights and Distinguishing Features of the SA05

The SA05 stands out as a Formula One car re-engineered from an earlier chassis, offering a glimpse into how resourceful engineering can breach F1’s entry barriers. Its heritage with the Arrows A23 ties it to a legacy of independent British teams fighting for grid spots. The SA05 involved contributions from key F1 engineering figures, and its design choices reflect an era of F1 that allowed small teams to innovate on tight budgets.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There have been no officially recognised special editions of the Super Aguri SA05. However, some cars might have unique provenance if they were raced by particular drivers or used in historic F1 events, which could add collectible appeal to specific chassis numbers.

Engine, Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Super Aguri SA05 is purpose-built for Formula One, featuring performance levels unattainable in road-going vehicles. The V8 engine delivers extreme power at stratospheric RPM ranges, and the rigid carbon monocoque ensures agile handling under high speeds and high load. Sequential racing transmissions with paddle shifters permit ultra-fast gear changes. The adaptation from the Arrows A23 means that while basic architecture was not fully cutting-edge in 2006, the SA05 still achieved significant top speeds and competent cornering performance, although always closer to the rear of the F1 field. Notable SA05 models include those chassis with race history in the early 2006 half-season, optionally with notable drivers or engineering updates. These cars differ only by race-specific setup and components updates during their brief career.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The SA05 maintains the minimalistic and functional approach of contemporary F1 cars. Driver comfort is secondary to function, with the cockpit designed purely for control, telemetry, and driver survivability. Special livery, often featuring red-and-white Super Aguri colours and sponsorship decals, makes each surviving example visually unique. Aerodynamic details—including elaborate front- and rear-wing elements carried over from Arrows with tweaks for modern regulations—dominate the exterior aesthetics.

Other Noteworthy Features

Due to the transient nature of F1 technologies, any remaining SA05 is most valuable in original team-used or period-correct configuration, with authentic details, such as data loggers, genuine bodywork, and original team documentation.

Summary

The Super Aguri SA05 occupies a particular position in motorsport history—a rare example of resourceful engineering marking a team’s leap into Formula One. Its direct link to the Arrows A23 offers insight into F1’s tradition of technical evolution and adaptation, ensuring every SA05 listing is worthy of interest from racing historians and collectors alike.