1975 Osella PA3 BMW M12

Named after its founder Vincenzo "Enzo" Osella, the team began life by racing Abarth sports cars in local and national races in the mid 1960s in Italy. Though relatively successful (Osella eventually took over the factory Abarth sports car program), Osella expanded into single seater racing in 1974 to further develop his business. The team would rise to Formula Two in 1975, achieving some success with its own car (the Osella FA2); François Migault scored one point. They also competed in sports car racing producing some of the most competitive and prettiest two litre cars ever produced. The Osella PA3 BMW M12 offered here was purchased by Colin Pool, who was responsible for nearly all the Osellas in the country, from Francesco Molina of Pescaro in the early nineties. Like many Osellas of the period, it was used initially for hill climbing but did compete in the 1976 Monza 4hrs finishing 11th overall. Chassis PA029 resided with him until 2011 when it was purchased by our vendor who set about a comprehensive rebuild. It was decided to commission a new tub which was built by Martin Slater of Lyncar and a new replacement engine was purchased from Wassermann. Every other component was either rebuilt or replaced during the type of exacting rebuild that's required for a race winning car. The process took nearly two years and the first outing at Brands Hatch (2011 HSCC MARTINI) when running a very respectable 4th, fuel pressure problems halted any further progress. In 2013 two races were entered at Donington producing a win and the chance of another while leading till loose bodywork prevented a double. In 2014 four races were entered in the HSCC MARTINI and it won all four. The very highly respected Ian Flux proclaimed this Osella was the best 2.0 litre sports car he had ever driven! This Osella was rebuilt and maintained regardless of cost and is a proven race winner representing a great opportunity for the new owner. The engine is strong, but could benefit from a cautionary refresh, which is reflected in today's guide. It comes with two spare sets of wheels and newly registered HTP papers.