AGS JH23

When the Type 23 appeared on the scene the AGS team were experiencing several off-track problems with sponsors caused by recurring rumours of takeovers and internaal disputes with the technical department. The situation was resolved in 1989 when most of the technical staff deserted to the Dallara team. As a result the Type 23 was the last AGS from the pen of Christian Vanderpleyn. A simple and slender design it was a major rethink and included very few parts from previous AGS offerings. The man chosen to pilot the new machine was Philippe Streiff, the Frenchman who had enjoyed success with the team in the lower formulae.

In early 1988 Streiff produced some spirited performances, especially at Imola where he qualified and raced well only for the car to fail. The mid-season was plagued with retirements but when Philippe finished a race he was invariably at the front of the non-turbo runners.

Retained for use in 1989, although now equipped with the DFR power unit, the machine did score a World Championship point in the hands of Tarquini, Strieff's replacement. During pre-season testing in Rio the Frenchman crashed heavily. The car was totally destroyed but more seriously Philippe suffered massive back injuries that as a result of complications and delayed medical attention left him totally paralysed. Throughout 1989 the car gradually became less and less competitive before it was replaced with the Type 24 model halfway through the season.

Model Details Model : AGS JH23 Race : Monaco 1989 Drivers : Gabrielle Tarquini, Manfred Winklehock, Yannick Dalmas Model built between 25/01/91 - 24/03/91 from a Tameo Kit (Ref : TMK099)