The restoration of a rare Triple Eight Supercar, known as 888A-022, has been finalized, returning it to the distinctive livery worn by F1 world champion Jenson Button during a 2011 activation. This vehicle is notable not only for its rarity but also for being both Triple Eight’s first Holden and its most recent Ford project, underscoring its unique place in the team’s history.
Evolution from FG Falcon to VE Commodore
The chassis originally began as an FG Falcon built in 2009, part of a series produced for Triple Eight’s team and clientele. However, the team it was intended for disbanded mid-season, prompting a shift in plans to convert the car into a dedicated passenger ride vehicle. Shortly after, Triple Eight signed with Holden for 2010, and the project evolved, turning what started as an FG Falcon into the team’s inaugural VE Commodore model.
Roland Dane, then the team owner, described the transition process, emphasizing the flexibility allowed at the time:
“The ‘Falcodore’ wasn’t that difficult to do,”
he explained, referring to the hybrid nature of the car. Dane elaborated that, due to Project Blueprint regulations and the similar dimensions between the FG Falcon and VE Commodore—both Australian four-door sedans—the team was able to adapt the roll cage by removing Falcon components and replacing them with Commodore parts, facilitating the transformation.
Testing and Passenger Use Rather than Racing Competition
The car officially debuted as a Holden Supercar in December 2009 after a shakedown run at Queensland Raceway, featuring a camouflaged livery for the 2010 season. Although 888A-022 was never entered into competition in the Supercars Championship or Super2 Series, it served as a significant passenger and promotional vehicle for the team over three years.
Its roster of drivers and passengers included prominent figures from the motorsport world. In 2011, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button drove it at Mount Panorama during a Vodafone promotional event that paired him and Triple Eight driver Craig Lowndes with a McLaren F1 car around the circuit. Earlier that year, Jeremy Clarkson also took the wheel during a demonstration at Norwell Motorplex. The car provided many Triple Eight staff members with driving experiences during its tenure, including Dane himself, who completed his first Supercar laps with it in 2010. Team members participated in a special track day at Norwell in 2012, with team manager Mark Dutton offering rides to Jamie Whincup and Grove Racing team principal David Cauchi experiencing spins with Scott Pye as a passenger.
Subsequent Ownership and Restoration to Historic Livery
After its use as a passenger vehicle, the car was sold in early 2013 and subsequently raced in GT-style events in New Zealand and Thailand. It later came into the possession of a Victorian collector, Dean Montgomery, who undertook its restoration. Montgomery’s restoration returned the car to the striking livery it bore during the 2011 Mount Panorama event when driven by Button and Lowndes, preserving this chapter of Triple Eight’s heritage.
The Significance of the F1 Champion Livery Triple Eight Restoration
This restoration highlights an important piece of Australian motorsport history, bridging the eras of Ford and Holden within Triple Eight’s legacy. The project showcases technical adaptability and the evolving identity of the team‘s Supercars, while preserving a unique vehicle that, despite never racing competitively, played a vital role as a demonstration and promotional asset. Its return to the famous F1 champion livery not only honors its past drivers but also cements its status as a rare collectible piece reflecting Triple Eight’s multifaceted story.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. In Formula 1, the number 17 is the sole driver number that has been officially retired. This honors Jules Bianchi, a French driver. Bianchi was using #17 when he experienced a tragic crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, a British race car driver born in 1985, currently races in Formula One for the Mercedes team. He has previously driven for McLaren. He openly shares his experiences living with ADHD and regularly talks about his wide range of interests and passions.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can select a permanent number for themselves between 0 and 99, with the exception of the number 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion has the option to use number 1 if they wish, but it’s not mandatory.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver, born in 1985. He competes in Formula One and drives for Mercedes, with past experience at McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences living with ADHD and talks about his different hobbies and passions.