***Images supplied by vendor***
Highlights
- 1 of only 43 built
- Genuine Formula 3 car
- Last of the aluminium bodies
- Complete with spares
The Appeal
Ralt were renowned for producing competitive race cars throughout the 70s, 80s and early 90s.
Particularly successful in F3000 and Formula 3, many big names won F3 championships in Ralt cars, including Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Ruberns Barrichello.
Particularly successful in F3000 and Formula 3, many big names won F3 championships in Ralt cars, including Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Ruberns Barrichello.
Here we have chassis number 714, raced in period by Didier Artzert, who won the 1987 F3 race at Monaco for Monaco Sponsoring (also known as ‘KTR’ or Keerbergs Transport Racing) and is recognised as one of the greatest talents to not quite make it into F1.
The car was looked after by the team’s chief engineer, Jacky Eeckelaert. As such this is a compellingly unique machine with a fine history.
The car was looked after by the team’s chief engineer, Jacky Eeckelaert. As such this is a compellingly unique machine with a fine history.
The History and Paperwork
- Raced in Formula 3 by Didier Artzet in 1987
- Monaco Sponsoring (KTR) works car
- 3 owners from new
- Chassis number RT31:714
- 1 of only 43 made
- Many spares included
- Original data sheets
- Roll bar safety certificate from the RAC (March 1987)
The Interior
- TRS race harnesses
- Momo alcantara trimmed wheel
As a Formula 3 car, this doesn’t so much have an ‘interior’ as a ‘cockpit’. Snugly wrapping the driver are aluminium panels which present in nice condition.
As should be expected, there is wear from use and some blemishes and marks, but everything is still very usable.
The instruments are nice and clear and show no notable damage, while the tiny race wheel and stubby gear shifter wear an attractive level of patination.
The instruments are nice and clear and show no notable damage, while the tiny race wheel and stubby gear shifter wear an attractive level of patination.
The RT31 offered an upgrade over the previous models with a single milled billet piece where the roll hoop is mounted and ‘honeycomb’ composite panels between the bulkheads.
These were said to offer better rigidity and force dissipation, thereby increasing safety.
These were said to offer better rigidity and force dissipation, thereby increasing safety.
The Exterior
- Bright orange ‘Beta Utensili’ livery
- Magnesium Tecno wheels with Avon rain tyres
- Slick race tyres
We think this little F3 car looks fabulous in its bright orange livery, and compared to modern race cars it is a very clean and smart design.
Overall the paintwork and panels are in very good condition.
Naturally, this is a race car, so some marks, chips and blemishes should be expected. Nevertheless, overall it presents in very good condition.
Overall the paintwork and panels are in very good condition.
Naturally, this is a race car, so some marks, chips and blemishes should be expected. Nevertheless, overall it presents in very good condition.
The wheels also appear to be presented well, although the vendor tells us that the tyres will soon be due for replacement.
With the large front and rear wings and a flat floor construction, this racer will certainly provide plenty of usable downforce and should still be a very effective track car.
With the large front and rear wings and a flat floor construction, this racer will certainly provide plenty of usable downforce and should still be a very effective track car.
The Mechanics
- 1,585cc VW Oettinger 4-cylinder
- 5-speed Hewland manual transmission
- Many spares included
Many mechanical changes were made to the RT31 over the previous car to enable it to be competitive.
These included a 25% larger radiator, all round double wishbone suspension with pushrods and repositioned front springs and dampers (which allowed for a slimmer profile).
These included a 25% larger radiator, all round double wishbone suspension with pushrods and repositioned front springs and dampers (which allowed for a slimmer profile).
The engine itself is a 1.6-litre VW unit, prepared by PHEGA. It features a dry sump and is fuel injected (Kugelfischer).
With a kerbweight of just 455Kg, you can be sure that there’s more than enough performance on offer here.
The vendor assures us that the car drives very well, with no leaks, smoke, untoward vibrations or mechanical issues that they are aware of.
The vendor assures us that the car drives very well, with no leaks, smoke, untoward vibrations or mechanical issues that they are aware of.
Also included in the sale are a number of spares including:
- 2x rear / 2x front Avon wheels all with tyres
- 2x Michelin 23/57-13 (FR 2.0)
- 2x Michelin 16/53-31 (S120)
- 8x Gotti centre lock wheels 073 F3 (2x sets of fronts / 2x sets of rears)
- 2x RT31 front uprights that can be switched over
- An original radiator
- A rear adjustable wing
- A brand new exhaust muffler
- One set of front and rear flaps / ailerons
- A set of Fenwick starter cables
- 3x sets of springs
- 4x VW con-rods
- A clutch disc
- One cardan shaft
- A set of gears from 1 to 5th
- An alternator charge regulator
Summary
Whether you’re looking to add to an existing collection of motorsport memorabilia, or would like a track day car with genuine motorsport heritage and fantastic performance, you won’t find many more attractive propositions than this orange gem.
Coming with a winning record and impressive provenance, as well as a whole raft of spares, RT31:714 would make a fantastic addition to any garage.
