A downpour in the build up to the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix meant it was uncertain whether Formula 1’s 700th World Championship race would actually go ahead. Eventually, the grid was released onto the Interlagos circuit, albeit at reduced speeds behind the safety car. Just before the green flags were waved, the Jordan Grand Prix team called its rapid Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella into the pits to take on more fuel.

The splash and dash would prove inspired. When Michael Schumacher, Olivier Panis, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jos Verstappen, Jenson Button, and others spun off in the treacherous conditions, Fisichella kept his nose clean aboard the Jordan EJ13. After three more appearances from the safety car, just 11 of the 20 starters remained come half distance in one of the most chaotic and entertaining races in topflight history. As the track gradually dried and rivals pitted, Fisichella stayed out to climb into 2nd place on lap 53.

Fisichella then expertly darted down the inside of leader Kimi Räikkönen, before an enormous shunt involving Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso caused the race to be stopped. Even though the EJ13 promptly burst into flames, Jordan celebrated what looked to be its fourth (and final) race win. But the officials cut the jubilant scenes short. A timing error showed Fisichella to still be behind Räikkönen’s McLaren when the result was taken.

An investigation was launched and, in a Parisian court, the victory was rightly handed to Jordan as it marked its 200th Grand Prix start. In a ceremonial handover at the next round at Imola in late April, Fisichella and team boss Eddie Jordan were presented with the Drivers’ and Constructors’ trophies.

That same month, the show car offered here was built at the Silverstone factory. Presented in the iconic yellow Jordan livery and wearing Benson & Hedges sponsorship, it features BBS wheels shod in more contemporary Pirelli slick tyres, Carbon Industries brakes, carbon fibre pushrod suspension components, a gearbox housing with rear crash structure, plus a race seat and safety harnesses.

A wonderful piece of F1 memorabilia that celebrates a truly extraordinary day in Brazil, this Jordan EJ13 show car would make for a superb static addition to any collection.