It featured a low monocoque tub with hip radiators and an oil cooler positioned in the nose (but which would later be moved).

[2] Southgate returned to the team in the summer of 1977, and this prompted development of the DN8; the chassis was slimmed down with the water and oil coolers reworked for the latter part of the season.

After Pryce was killed during the South African Grand Prix, the team brought in Alan Jones as a replacement.

[2] Patrese dovetailed the second Shadow seat with his Formula Two commitments, and Jackie Oliver, Arturo Merzario and Jean-Pierre Jarier all deputised on occasion.

[1][2] The DN8 remained in service for the early part of the 1978 Formula One season for the team's new drivers, Hans Stuck and Clay Regazzoni.