Fantasy Junction

Description

1983 March 83G
s/n 83G - 1
Blue and white with #88 Executone period racing livery

History of March Engineering

Combining the names of the five primary specialists that comprised the fledgling UK based enterprise, the team of Max Mosley, Alan Rees, Graham Coaker, and Robin Herd formed the MARCH acronym of their ambitious operations launched in 1969. Unlike other constructors of the era, March did not limit their expertise to a single class of cars, instead they offered F1, F2, F3, Formula Ford, and Can-AM series cars for privateers and large race teams just one year after opening their operations. The following year March campaigned F1, F2, and F3 works cars in addition to supplying their own F1 chassis to Tyrell. After a challenging decade of battles in F2 participation, by 1981 efforts returned to F1 but the company also began development of the 83G, an IMSA GTP/Group C sports prototype race car specifically constructed for the IMSA GT and World Sportscar championship.

The 83G was based on earlier iterations which began in the 1980s. Constructed with combined lightweight technology comprised of riveted aluminum honeycomb monocoque for the chassis and carbon fiber/Kevlar body. Available with a wide range of engines, success came from Porsche and BMW powered cars, but also from cars built with potent V8 entries. These cars posted remarkable results particularly from privateers due in part to their durability and ease of service offered in the venerable Chevrolet V8 engine. While power and weight savings were critical, advances in aerodynamics including body design, underbody air management, cooling inlets, and downforce technology resulted in exceptional handling from these monstrously fast cars.

History of this March 83G

This example is the first of just five 83G chassis constructed by March. Upon completion, it was sold new to the Motorsports Marketing Team equipped with a Chevrolet V8 engine and finished with Executone livery. The car competed through the debut year driven by Randy Lanier, Tiff Needell, and the Whittington Brothers achieving a 3rd place at Road Atlanta. With drivers Hinze, Wolters, and Lanier at the wheel, an impressive 2nd place was recorded in the 1983 24 Hours of Daytona, after having led the race for 20 hours, ahead of Porsches, which today command $1M or more. In addition to this significant Daytona 2nd place, other notable drivers have piloted this car including Hurley Haywood and Bobby Rahal. In 2004, this 83G was treated to a comprehensive restoration performed by racecar specialists who finished the car in the correct “Executone” livery.

Period racing history results for this car can be viewed here: https://www.racingsportscars.c...

In 2017, this car was reunited with Adrian Newey, engineer and designer of the 83G, at the Historic Sportscar Racing Classic 24 Hour at Daytona (IMSA). Newey co-drove the car at this event reminiscing about his near victory with this first chassis in 1983. Newey’s designs have won numerous F1 driver and constructor titles but his efforts on the 83G are even more remarkable as his first build, operating with virtually no budget to improve the 82G series cars, no wind tunnel tests, and minimal internal support. His efforts were well received as the team achieved 2nd place at Daytona in 1983 effectively making this car the launch point for Newey’s prolific career including work with Williams, McLaren, and nearly 20 years of leadership at Red Bull Racing. In his book “How to Build a Car” Newey recalls his efforts designing and building this car as his entrance to a prolific 35-year career, lauded by F1 luminaries as the world’s foremost Formula 1 designer - all of which began with the construction of this car, chassis 83G-1.

While under current ownership, this March has participated in Masters Endurance Legends events both in the USA and UK including the 2018 12 Hour Sebring Classic, 2021 Road America at Elkhart Lake, and 2021 24 Hour Daytona Classic.

Current Condition

Today this professionally prepared March 83G presents as an important and historic race car with updated equipment for contemporary vintage event operation. The Executone paint scheme and graphic details display very nice racing cosmetics with good gloss, correct sponsorship markings, and excellent body panels. Though some paint surfaces show signs of typical track use, the overall finish is generally consistent throughout. The lightweight carbon fiber body is mounted to the aluminum honeycomb chassis offering aerodynamic efficiency, streamlined cab-forward design, and sleek low profile. The distinctive lobster claw front fenders, long tail rear, and teardrop canopy make for dramatic views at any angle. The exterior features include an impressive set of gold lace three-piece BBS wheels with Goodyear Eagle racing tires, centrally suspended low profile rear wing, clear lenses over high intensity LED headlights, dramatic wraparound clear windscreen and side windows, and numerous other performance derived exterior details.

The lightweight front and rear body panels are easily removed revealing hallmarks of chassis and suspension excellence, marking some of the most advanced technology available in the early 1980s. With the rear section removed, the powerful dry-sump, all-alloy 350 V8 engine can be easily serviced and reviewed without troublesome and time-consuming trackside machinations. The 5 main bearing tuffride-hardened forged 1053 steel crank and balanced rotating assembly are fed by multiport fuel-injection exiting combustion through four-in-one tubular headers. A 5-speed manual gearbox, double wishbone, coil-over suspension, rack and pinion steering, and ventilated disk brakes with multi-piston calipers at all four corners complete the impressive chassis features.

The interior is all business continuing themes of lightweight construction with riveted aluminum seat pan and tub sections, black dashboard, a quick release Sparco steering wheel, an array of gauges, Racelogic digital readout (via Video VBox Lite), TRS racing harness (2022), a Lifeline Zero2000 fire suppression system, and upswinging hinged doors allowing access from either side. The underside of the car features a combination of molded composite venturi tunnels for air flow management, riveted aluminum flat panel construction, and robust square steel frame A-arms with coil over rear suspension.

The car is accompanied by a substantial number of spare parts, a large transport case, spare headlights, spare disc brakes, spare bearings, a set of clear headlight covers, spare decals, four Kinsler fuel-injection filter elements, spare belts, misc. braided stainless hoses, a mobile thermal printer for trackside data output, a set of used valve springs, spare wheel hubs, spare gearbox gears, and several variously rated suspension springs.

The first of its kind, this March 83G was designed and developed by Adrian Newey has been documented with period racing history, known participation in recent racing events, and has eligibility for Masters Endurance Legends and Peter Auto events including Lemans Classic. Professional preparation, advanced construction, and historic merit combine to make this March 83G ideal for the next racing enthusiast to enjoy one of the more impressive and powerful, yet technically straightforward and comparatively reliable Group C/IMSA GTP prototypes ever built.

Please note that although this car has been previously prepared for vintage racing events, the next owner is encouraged to engage a professional race shop to review and prepare the car prior to use. International buyers should also note that, according to correspondence from the seller, this car retains dual nationality allowing it to be sold and brought back to the UK without incurring potential tax liabilities.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608