In 1982 March entered IMSA’s emerging GTP class with the 82G. Having a restriction on weight versus fuel consumption, the GTP cars were much more powerful than their Group C counterparts such as the Porsche 962C.
With a background in F1 and using the BMW M1C as a basis, Adrian Newey designed the 82G. Its basic aluminum monocoque chassis was designed for a variety of engines.
Using a Chevrolet 90º V8 engine, the first March 82G competed in the first GTP race at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Drivers Bobby Rahal, Bruce Canepa, and Jim Trueman put the car on pole but it later broke with gearbox problems during the race. Not long afterward the car achieved second place overall in the 12 Hours of Sebring. This car was later used by Bobby Rahal, Skeeter McKitterick, and Jim Trueman in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Only four March 82Gs were produced, three with Chevrolet power and sold BMW car. In 1984 March released the much revised 83G.
Our feature car is the first March 82G/001. It was campaigned by Bob Garretson and is often refereed to as the prototype. In 1985 it was purchased by Jimmy Leeward and campaigned in the 1985 and 1986 seasons before being permanently retired. In 2011 a comprehensive restoration was performed on the car by Jack Deren to it’s 1982 Sebring configuration. It debuted at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance which had a dedicated feature display of Bobby Rahal-driven cars.
1982 March 82G Gallery
See full 1982 March 82G Gallery here
In Detail
| tags | imsa, gtp |
| submitted by | admin |
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | England |
| production | 4 |
| engine | Chevrolet 90º V8 |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Aluminum |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV |
| fuel feed | Mechanical Indirect Injection |
| displacement | 5735 cc / 350 in³ |
| bore | 101.7 mm / 4.0 in |
| stroke | 88.4 mm / 3.5 in |
| compression | 13.5:1 |
| power | 462.3 kw / 620 bhp @ 7750 rpm |
| specific output | 108.11 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 688.89 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Fiberglass Body over Aluminum Monocoque Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 900 kg / 1985 lbs |
Auction Sales History
1983 Porsche / March 83G-4 IMSA Racecar – sold for $445,000 Winner Of 1984 24 Hours Of Daytona. First Race Car By Adrian Newey. Bodied By Porsche Aerodynamicist Max Sardou. Assorted Spares, Including Light Buckets. Spare Rims And Rain Tires. Well-Documented Ownership History. Internationally-recognized Kreepy Krauly Livery. Books. Period Photos And Memorabilia. Original IMSA GT Press Kit Included.
Auction Source: ‘Rolling Sculpture’ 2015 NYC by Keno Brothers
Keyword: 1982 March 82G