PROVENANCE
Al and Art Leon (acquired from factory in 1983)
Blue Thunder Racing (acquired from the above in 1984)
Craig Tremblay
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 1989)

THIS CAR
The March 83G was designed by Adrian Newey, arguably the single most successful designer in Formula 1 for the past few decades. The 83G utilized an aluminum honeycomb chassis clad in fiberglass, and generated downforce using both wings and ground effects. Remarkably, it would prove to be competitive with many different types of engines.

This car, chassis 02, won back-to-back IMSA Championships in 1983 and 1984. Completed in January 1983, 02 achieved six outright wins and 12 finishes of seventh or better in the top prototype category of IMSA racing. It was driven to victories by Al Holbert, Randy Lanier, Bill Whittington, and Don Whittington. Leased from the factory by Al Holbert, it won the 1983 Miami Grand Prix, helping Holbert on his way to the 1983 IMSA Camel Championship. Named “Spirit of Miami,” 02 was raced by double Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, who came out of retirement to drive it in the 1984 Miami Grand Prix. For 1984, Randy Lanier and Bill Whittington formed Blue Thunder Racing and, after the Miami race in February, acquired this March-Chevrolet. They used it to set seven qualifying lap records and two lap records, and to take three overall victories, with Lanier going on to win the 1984 IMSA Championship.

In 1989, 02 was acquired by the family of one of the drivers who had raced it. A full restoration was completed in 2006, with former March employee Peter Norris rebuilding the tub, and former Blue Thunder employee Jim Webber refitting bushings, bearings, and pedal assemblies. Today, the 83G is powered by a Boyd 383 cid Chevrolet small block that is reported to start easily and run well.

Since restoration, the March-Chevrolet has been campaigned in two Historic Sportscar Racing events: at Sebring and Daytona. The consignor reports that the fuel cell, seat belts, switches, gauges, and hoses are new, and the motor has about two hours of run time. This car is offered with an extensive list of spare parts including the original Blue Thunder overhead refueling rig, gear sets for long and short courses, six wheels, two small front wings, and a spare Hewland DGB gearbox. Also accompanying the car at sale are a trailer, the HSR logbook, and the consignor’s documents relating to the build and setup of the car.

Boasting a successful competition history, with outstanding design and build heritage, this represents a truly singular opportunity to acquire an exciting, winning piece of 1980s US road racing history and to write its next chapter.