Emerson Fittipaldi shocked the motorsport world when he left McLaren at the end of 1975. Not only was the Brazilian departing a team that had steered him to his second Formula 1 World Championship the previous season, but he was moving down the pecking order to join his brother Wilson’s fledgling Fittipaldi Automotive. However, it didn’t take long to quieten some of the critics. In 1978, during the proliferation of ground-effect aerodynamics, Emerson led the one-car outfit to beating McLaren by two points in the Constructors’ standings.

Hoping to repeat that feat, Fittipaldi Automotive introduced the new F6 in 1979. Initially only one example was built—chassis 01 offered here. Penned in the United Kingdom by famed former Lotus designer Ralph Bellamy, the car was constructed in Brazil and debuted in the third round in South Africa. Emerson qualified ahead of both Williams drivers to finish 13th yet plenty of misgivings about the machine remained. As such, ex-Ferrari staff Giacomo Caliri and Luigi Marmioli of FLY Studio were tasked with upgrading the chassis—as they had done for the F5—to create the F6/A.

Almost every element was revised. The suspension setup was changed, longer side pods inspired by the Williams FW07 were added. Even the monocoque was strengthened. But such an extensive reworking meant the new specification wasn’t ready until the German Grand Prix in late July. With only six of the 15 races remaining, Fittipaldi was unlikely to single-handedly beat McLaren again in the points. Electrical and brake issues forcing three straight retirements for this car further hurt matters. But the upturn in results thereafter was marked.

Aboard chassis 01, Fittipaldi recovered from 20th on the grid to beat title-contending Alan Jones to 8th in the Italian Grand Prix. Ahead of the next race in Canada, he outqualified both McLarens plus luminaries Jacky Ickx, Elio de Angelis, Jochen Mass, and Keke Rosberg before scoring 8th again. The F6/A then saved its best performance until last. In the attritional United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, Fittipaldi signed off his season by rising from 23rd to 7th. Testament to the Brazilian’s driving, when a second F6/A chassis was readied for the final two North American races, temporary team-mate Alex Ribeiro twice failed to qualify.

This F6/A then initially settled into a gentle retirement, having been sold at the end of 1979 to the van Lepel collection. As part of a chain of known owners throughout, the car was acquired in 1986 by Mr Bob Campbell. He kept it for a decade and, after a brief stint with Mr Bill Hall, from 1997 to 2010 the Fittipaldi resided with historic F1 racer Mr Herbert Schnell.

Subsequently purchased in 2013 by a new owner, from 2018 chassis 01 was prepared for a return to the racetrack. Specialist concern OC Racing, based in the West Midlands in the UK, carried out the complete overhaul while a fresh 3.0-litre Cosworth DFV V-8 engine was installed by expert Geoff Richardson of Huntingdon. Wearing the classic yellow Copersucar livery, this car was driven at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Acquired by the vendor in July 2023, the car was restored by AB Sport Auto and crack tested. It then entered the Masters Racing Legends series French Grand Prix support races at Circuit Paul Ricard in April 2024. Chassis 01 enjoyed a magnificent outing the following month during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. In the heat for 3.0-litre F1 cars that competed from 1977 to 1980, French F3 champion and ex-A1 GP driver Jonathan Cochet climbed from 4th to finish on the podium. Most romantic of all, Emerson was reunited with the F6/A, autographed the car, and drove it in July 2024 — the 14-time Grand Prix winner and 1989 Champ Car champion having been in contact with the owner throughout the most recent restoration work.

Now set for the Monaco auction, this F6/A is eligible for further historic race entries and would be a welcome attraction at a host of shows and exhibitions. This example of the legendary DFV engine has driven fewer than 400 kilometres since its rebuild, while the five-speed Hewland manual gearbox has covered under 300 kilometres. The car is also supplied with an FIA Historic Technical Passport valid until the end of 2033.