Fuji F1 50th Anniversary Exhibition 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji' to Feature Legendary 6-Wheeled Tyrrell P34
Key facts
- Fuji F1 50th Anniversary Exhibition 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji' to Feature Legendary 6-Wheeled Tyrrell P34
- The Fuji Motorsports Museum will hold a special exhibition, 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji,' starting June 16, 2026, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan's first F1 race in 1976. The exhibition will feature iconic cars such as the Tyrrell P34, the only six-wheeled car in F1 history, and the all-Japanese Kojima KE007. It will look back on the enduring drama of the event, including the final race in torrential rain and the challenges faced by Japanese engineers, with previously unreleased materials.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 23, 2026
Direct answer
The Fuji Motorsports Museum will hold a special exhibition, 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji,' starting June 16, 2026, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan's first F1 race in 1976. The exhibition will feature iconic cars such as the Tyrrell P34, the only six-wheeled car in F1 history, and the all-Japanese Kojima KE007. It will look back on the enduring drama of the event, including the final race in torrential rain and the challenges faced by Japanese engineers, with previously unreleased materials.
- Citation
- Fuji F1 50th Anniversary Exhibition 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji' to Feature Legendary 6-Wheeled Tyrrell P34 (May 23, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 23, 2026
The Fuji Motorsports Museum will hold a special exhibition, 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji,' starting June 16, 2026, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan's first F1 race in 1976. The exhibition will feature iconic cars such as the Tyrrell P34, the only six-wheeled car in F1 history, and the all-Japanese Kojima KE007. It will look back on the enduring drama of the event, including the final race in torrential rain and the challenges faced by Japanese engineers, with previously unreleased materials.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 01:49
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 21:16 (3h 44m after Collected)
In the 1970s, the Japanese auto industry faced the trials of the oil shock and strict emission regulations, leading to a temporary 'winter era' for motorsports. However, passion for the sport never waned. The fervent desire of officials to 'bring the world's best racing to Japan' came to fruition, and in 1976, the 'F1 World Championship in Japan,' the first in both Japan and East Asia, was held at Fuji Speedway.
This exhibition focuses on the immense impact of this unprecedented race and the bold challenges of Japanese teams like Maki and Kojima. Through the many dramas that unfolded in record-breaking heavy rain, it reflects on the excitement and tenacity of the engineers of the time.
■ Exhibition Highlights
1. Special Display of Legendary Machines
Historic cars will be on display, including the Tyrrell P34, the only six-wheeled car ever to compete in F1; the all-Japanese Kojima KE007 and KE009; the Wolf WR1, which won three championships in 1977; and the pioneering Maki F101. More vehicles are scheduled to be added in the latter half of the exhibition.
2. The Reality of the 1976 Fuji Showdown
Through previously unreleased photos and footage, the exhibition conveys the excitement of the legendary final race held in heavy rain, including the contrasting decisions of championship contenders Lauda and Hunt, and the unpredictable race developments.
3. The Miracle of Kojima Engineering and the 'Omika Race Village'
The exhibition tells the story of the passion and skill of the Japanese craftsmen from the Omika district at the foot of Fuji Speedway, who rebuilt the Kojima Engineering's KE007 in just a day and a half after a major crash in qualifying, getting it ready for the final race.
4. Cultural Exhibition Supporting F1's Popularity
Enjoy a valuable archive of F1 culture that swept Japan beyond the racetrack, including original drawings (replicas) from popular F1 manga, record audio of 1976 exhaust notes, and footage of the intense battles.
■ Exhibition Overview
- Title: Fuji F1 50th Anniversary Exhibition 'The Unknown Fierce Battle of Fuji'
- Venue: 2F Exhibition Area, Fuji Motorsports Museum
- Period: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027
- Admission: Viewable with regular museum admission (e.g., Adults: ¥1,800 on weekdays, ¥2,000 on weekends/holidays; discounts available).
- Hours: Vary by day (e.g., Weekdays 10:00-17:00).
- Exhibited Vehicles: Cars from the 1976 and 1977 Fuji F1 races (more to be added).
■ Vehicle Introduction
1. Tyrrell P34
The legendary six-wheeled car, the only one ever used in F1. Its design, featuring four small-diameter front tires, achieved a 1-2 finish at the 1976 Swedish GP.
- Team Name: Elf Team Tyrrell
- Engine: Ford-Cosworth DFV 3.0-liter V8
2. Kojima KE007
An all-Japanese machine developed for the 1976 Japan F1 race. Driven by Masahiro Hasemi, it set the 4th fastest time in qualifying, miraculously recovered from a crash, and completed the final race in heavy rain.
FAQ
When and where will the Fuji F1 50th Anniversary Exhibition be held?
It will be held from June 16, 2026 to January 31, 2027 at the Fuji Motorsports Museum in Oyama-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture.
What are the main highlights of this exhibition?
The highlights include special displays of legendary F1 cars (such as the Tyrrell P34 and Kojima KE007), unpublished photos and videos from the 1976 Fuji Grand Prix, and exhibits about the story of the all-Japanese team 'Kojima Engineering' and the F1 culture of the time.
What are the representative F1 cars that will be on display?
Notable cars on display include the only 6-wheeled car in F1 history, the Tyrrell P34, the all-Japanese machines Kojima KE007 and KE009, the Wolf WR1 which won three races in 1977, and the pioneering Maki F101.
What kind of team was Kojima Engineering?
Kojima Engineering was an all-Japanese team that participated in the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix. They are known for symbolizing the technical skill and perseverance of Japanese craftsmen, as they repaired the crashed car 'KE007' in just one and a half days and completed the race.
What is the admission fee for the exhibition?
Admission is included with the regular entrance fee to the Fuji Motorsports Museum. On weekdays, it is 1,800 yen for adults, and 2,000 yen on weekends and holidays. There are also discounts for high school students, elementary and junior high school students, and internet booking.