The new chassis was a clear improvement and Courage managed to qualify further up the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix. After mixing it up with the seasoned names, the DeTomaso lost much time in the pits with steering problems.

The DeTomaso returned to Goodwood in 2009 to help celebrate Frank Williams' 40 years in F1. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

Courage did go out again, but he did not turn in enough laps to be classified. Next up was the Spa race, where Courage qualified well and again saw his race ruined by reliability problems.

Tragedy struck at the Dutch Grand Prix where Courage had a fatal crash after placing the car ninth on the grid. The promising driver died in a horrendous fire fueled by the magnesium in the tub after a tire failure.

Frank Williams continued the season with the only surviving chassis. Brian Redman was attracted to replace Courage. He struggled with the DeTomaso in the practice sessions of the British and German Grands Prix and did not start in either of the two races.

Tim Schenken raced the 505 in the final four races of the season. He retired three times and in the only race he finished, Schenken was not classified. After a promising start of the season, DeTomaso retired from Formula 1. Williams has persevered and today is one of the most successful team principals in the sport.

The first of three chassis built by Dallara for DeTomaso was driven at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed after a full restoration by Hall & Hall restoration and preparation company. Chassis 505-381 had been badly damaged at the Spanish Grand Prix and restored using spare parts that came with the car when it was retrieved in 2006.

The restored car debuted at Goodwood in 2008 and returned the following year to help celebrate 40 years of Frank Williams in Formula 1.

For a gallery of photos, see DeTomaso 505.

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