Arrows A8-BMW F1, chassis 06
The Arrows A8-BMW F1 car with chassis no 06 is the only chassis built in 1986 and just as the 1985 built Arrows A8-05 supplied in B-specification. The 06 is recognizable by the additional cockpit shield.
The story...
The 1986 FIA Formula One World Championship marked the 40th season of FIA Formula One motor racing, running across sixteen races from Brazil on March 23 to Australia on October 26.
After an initial program as a test car, the 06 chassis was entered in 6 races. Christian Danner raced the car at the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard for the first time after problems with his A8-02 chassis. A week later Thierry Boutsen used the car at the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Later in the season the 06 chassis was entered at Monza and Estoril with Danner at the wheel, while Thierry Boutsen used the car in the final two race of the season in Mexico and Australia.
PARABOLICA RACING is proud to offer for sale chassis A8-06 used by Christian Danner and Thierry Boutsen, fully serviced by CRCS and running in its original specification.
About the
Arrows A8-BMW F1, chassis 06
Everything you need to know
The Arrows A8-BMW F1 is a testament to the raw power and technological innovation of Formula 1’s turbocharged era. Built for the 1985 and 1986 FIA Formula One World Championships, the A8 featured an aluminum monocoque chassis paired with the legendary BMW M12/13 turbo engine. Known for producing up to 1,400 hp in qualifying trim, this four-cylinder powerhouse was regarded as one of the most formidable engines in F1 history, setting new benchmarks for speed and performance.
Chassis 06, the final evolution of the A8, made its race debut mid-season in 1986. Driven by Christian Danner and Thierry Boutsen, it competed at iconic circuits such as Monza, Brands Hatch, and Paul Ricard. Its unique B-specification design, recognizable by the extended cockpit shield, provided enhanced aerodynamics and driver protection, distinguishing it from earlier versions. Despite fierce competition, the Arrows A8 demonstrated remarkable speed and reliability, a testament to the engineering expertise behind its creation.
Today, the Arrows A8 is a rare collector’s piece, fully restored to its original specifications by experienced specialists. From its meticulously engineered suspension system to the powerful BMW turbo engine, every component has been crafted to maintain authenticity and peak performance. With its striking design and storied racing history, the Arrows A8 offers enthusiasts a chance to own and experience one of the most thrilling machines of the golden turbo era in Formula 1.
Item
Period Technical Specification
Technical Specification as sold
Chassis
Suspension front
Suspension rear
Engine
The BMW M12/13 turbo was a 1,499.8 cc four-cylinder turbocharged Formula One engine, based on the standard BMW M10 engine introduced in 1961, and powered the F1 cars of Brabham, Arrows and Benetton. Nelson Piquet won the FIA Formula One Drivers' Championship in 1983 driving a Brabham powered by the BMW M12/13 turbo. It was the first Drivers' Championship to be won using a turbocharged engine. BMW engineers estimated the engine produced around 1,400 hp at maximum boost, however the BMW engine dynamometer could not go beyond 1,280 bhp.
For 1986, the M12 was upgraded into the M12/13/1. (Bore 89.2 mm X Stroke 60 mm) 374.95 cc and 350 PS per cylinder 933.46 PS/litre. This version was claimed to have produced a maximum output of 1,400 hp (1,044 kW) at 11,000 rpm, and about 850–930 lb⋅ft (1,152–1,261 Nm) of torque in qualifying trim, which would make it the most powerful engine ever to race in Formula 1, turbocharged or otherwise. During the 1986 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Gerhard Berger's BMW-powered Benetton B186 recorded the highest straight line speed by a turbocharged Formula One car when he was timed at 352.22 km/h (219 mph). In fact, the top five cars through the speed trap at Monza (Berger and teammate Teo Fabi, Brabham's Derek Warwick and Riccardo Patrese, and the Arrows of Thierry Boutsen) were all powered by the BMW M12.
To this day the BMW M12/13 remains the most powerfull F1 engine ever produced.
Need to know more?
Fia Approved Competition
The October 2024 World Council meeting saw the approval of a rare and significant update to the regulations governing the eligibility of historic cars to take part in motor sport competitions.
These changes to Appendix K of the International Sporting Code mean that, from 2025, racing cars built between the years 1991 and 2000 will be able to carry the Historic Technical Passports that allow them to compete in FIA championships and international motor sport events.
This update will bring many of the world’s most iconic race and rally cars back into the crucible of motor sport, allowing fans and enthusiasts to enjoy the sights and sounds of what was a remarkable decade of technological advancement. In circuit racing, legendary Formula1 racers from the spectacular turbo era, which previously were only approved for demonstration, are now moving to the race categorisation, together with F1cars from the period 1987-2000.
