Osella Engineering has spent over 50 years in both professional and amateur motorsport. Ranging from the Le Mans Prototypes of the early and mid-seventies, to being one of Italy’s prolific Formula 1 chassis constructors. Their cars featured in everything from the World Sportscar Championship, FIA European hillclimb championships, and more. Now days, their main focus is that of sports prototypes built for hillclimb competition and circuit events with two main categories of chassis and seven different iterations of models based on engine package, driver position, and aerodynamics. These two categories are referenced as PA and FA chassis. All of their chassis variants are steel tube-frame built with carbon fiber paneling. As well, their bodywork is typically made of fiberglass, the exception being the rear wings and some aerodynamic add-ons.

Osella PA21 Jr. B

The PA21 Jr. B chassis is based on their FIA CN class chassis (two-seat design), though it is powered by a motorcycle engine usually between 1000cc and 1600cc in size. Like several of Osella’s chassis variants, this model is optimized for hillclimb competition with special aerodynamic additions to suit these racing conditions.

Osella PA21S Evo CN and Osella PA21P Evo CN

The PA21S Evo and PA21P Evo chassis are Osella’s answer to FIA’s CN sports prototype class competition. Both chassis are relatively identical for the exception of some evolution in development between the chassis. These cars are very suitable to both circuit applications and the European/Italian Hillclimb Championship’s E2B and E2-SC(CN) classes. Powered by the FIA CN standard Honda K20 engine, producing 250+ HP, mated to a SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox; typically with a paddle shifter system.

Osella PA2000 Evo

Like the PA21S Evo and PA21P Evo above, this chassis shares the same design lineage. However, the chassis has been specially optimized as Osella’s budget-level two-seater for hillclimb competition. Likewise, this chassis retains the 2000cc (2 Liter) Honda K20 engine, but operates outside of FIA CN’s 255 HP envelope. Giving the engine an extra seventy or so horsepower, bringing the estimated total to 320 HP at 9,000 RPM. Bringing this PA2000 Evo closer to Osella’s V8 powered chassis, but on a budget level. This chassis also retains the SADEV gearbox of its’ circuit racing cousins.

Osella PA30 Zytek V8

The PA30 Zytek V8, is Osella’s top two-seat chassis. The distinctions between this chassis and the other PA variant models, are fairly simple. More hillclimb optimized aerodynamics and custom rear bodywork to accommodate the addition of a screaming three liter (3000cc) Zytek V8 engine based on the now defunct Formula 3000’s engine regulations. The Zytek V8 engine producing a ground pounding 450+ HP. In addition, the SADEV gearbox was retained for this model and engine.

Osella FA30 Zytek V8 and Osella FA30 EVO V8 RPE

The last two chassis variants from Osella are from the FA range of chassis. A center-seat monocoque designed chassis built specially for the most intense hillclimb competition. Again, with special aerodynamic considerations to hillclimb conditions and keeping the massive power of the Zytek or RPE V8 engines to the ground. Like the PA30 Zytek V8 chassis above, these cars are powered by a three liter (3000cc) V8 engine. Although this time with a choice of two fire-breathing V8s, the Zytek V8 or an RPE built V8 (similar to that of Wolf’s GB08S three liter RPE V8). With the Zytek producing 450+ HP and the RPE at 470 HP. Again, both of the FA variants retaining the SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox.

Eligible Championships

These chassis, are not too common outside of Europe at the moment. However, based on current prototype regulations, these cars are eligible for the following championships globally: Sports Car Club of America [SCCA], NASA Pro Racing [NASA], FARA USA, Endurance Brasil, Belcar Endurance, Dutch Supercar Challenge, South African Endurance Championship, Australian Prototype Championship, FRP Prototype Championship, Master Tricolore Prototipi, and many others.

Dealerships and Factory

There are no known dealerships outside of the factory in Turin, Italy. However, here is the brand website where you can learn more about the brand and contact them if you are interested in purchasing a chassis:

Factory - Turin, Italy | Osella Engineering S.r.l | https://www.osella.it/wrp/en/

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