Used over the course of four Formula 1 World Championship seasons, from 1984-1987, this Porsche TAG engine, no. 1-34, featured in several test sessions as well as a pair of grand prix races with the McLaren-TAG team. It was first tested by Niki Lauda in 1984, then Lauda, Alain Prost, and Keke Rosburg in 1985. However, its first Grand Prix would not come until 1986, when it was used that season exclusively by Prost and Rosburg. In the Portuguese Grand Prix, this engine powered Alain Prost to a 2nd-place finish. The following season, the engine would be used again by Prost and teammate, Stefan Johansson. Used in a handful of test sessions, the engine again was assigned to Prost for its only race of the season, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he finished 6th.

This engine was acquired by the consignor from the estate of collector of motorsport parts in the UK in 2010. Unfortunately, the engine’s post racing-career ownership is unknown prior to that. The current owner was able to clarify its history with the Porsche museum and upon determining its Formula 1 history, decided to cosmetically restore the engine in its native Germany. It consists of the engine casing and does not include internal components such as the crankshaft and pistons, as these parts were sold prior to the current owner’s purchase. As such, it is only suitable for display at the current time.

An exciting acquisition, this TAG Turbo engine is an exciting part of Formula 1 history with a fascinating story to tell.