Page 1 of 2 Next >> Following a batch of three Can-Am chassis produced in 1970 and 1971, March took up building sports cars again ahead of the 1973 season. The main reason for the new 73S to be developed was to spread around some of the 50 Formula 2 engines, March had ordered from BMW as part of an exclusive deal. Never a priority, the manufacturer's 2-Litre sports racer was quickly put together using the existing F2 suspension and drivetrain.
First seen early in 1973 during the Springbok Series in South Africa, in the hands of Jody Scheckter, the BMW engined 73S nevertheless was relatively competitive. On the back of these promising results, March managed to sell no fewer than 19 examples. Unfortunately, success was short-lived and due to poor aerodynamics and a lack of development, the March 73S drivers were relegated to the also run category. March managed to sell a further 11 chassis of the 1974 74S, despite relatively few updates, which was reflected in the lack of results.
For 1975, March finally put a real effort into their sports car, no doubt impressed by the sales figures of the earlier iterations. The work focused on the car's poor aerodynamics and an all-new body was developed in the MIRA wind tunnel. Gone were the attractive but ineffective curvaceous lines of the early 73S and 74S. The new 75S instead featured a sharp and very low nose. No doubt inspired by the contemporary F1 cars, a huge air-box was part of the new package, as was a full width, strut-mounted rear wing.
Underneath the all-new body, the 75S was an evolution of the existing design line of sports cars. A full-width sheet aluminium monocoque along with steel rear subframe formed the car's chassis. At the front the conventional suspension consisted of double wishbones, while the rear boasted one upper and two lower links, and twin trailing arms. Although the 75S could accommodate a choice of engines, the 300 bhp BMW M12 remained the most popular. It was mated to a Hewland 5-speed gearbox. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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76S Cosworth
Following a batch of three Can-Am chassis produced in 1970 and 1971, March took up building sports cars again ahead of the 1973 season. The main reason for the new 73S to be developed was to spread around some of the 50 Formula 2 engines, March had ordered from BMW as part of an exclusive deal. Never a priority, the manufacturer's 2-Litre sports racer was quickly put together using the existing F2 suspension and drivetrain.