1982 March 82G racecar coupe.
This is an extraordinary GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) car with significant race history.
- - 1982 March GTP Prototype - Chassis 82G1 Serial no. 1
- - Powered by correct 358/650 HP small block Chevrolet
- - Reported top Speed 234 MPH at LeMans
- - Primary driver was Bobby Rahal
- - Pole at 1982 24 Hours of Daytona
- - Pole at 1982 12 Hours of Sebring
- - Restored in 2010 to original race condition by former IMSA Mechanic of the Year Jack Deren
- - Class winner at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
- - 2011 Amelia Island Honoree Bobby Rahal drove this car up to the Concours grandstands as the main feature of the opening ceremony
- - Displayed at the following 2011 invitation only Monterey Car Week exclusive venues: The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, McCall Motorworks Revival, Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca
- - Featured in the movie 'Circuit', driven by Paul Newman at Laguna Seca
- - Please note that the fuel cell bladder date code has expired and will need to be replaced
This 1982 March 82G is a quintessential piece of motorsports history that brought together three of the most-accomplished personalities of their era: Adrian Newey, Bobby Rahal and Jack Deren. It was the very first design of the aspiring 23-year-old Newey, the British race-car engineer who later amassed championships in the CART/PPG Indy Car World Series in 1985 with an Al Unser-driven March 85C and in 1986 with a Rahal-driven March 86Cand an amazing 10 constructors' championships in Formula 1 with the three different teams in Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. The primary driver for this March 82G was Rahal, one of the winningest drivers of the decade with CART championships in 1986, 1987 and 1992 and winner of the 1986 Indianapolis 500. The 82G was campaigned in the 1982 IMSA series with four examples built. This car is the prototype chassis, serial No. 82G/001. The car was initially purchased by Jim Trueman, owner of the Red Roof Inns motel chain and long-term sponsor of Rahal. The 82G proved to be exceedingly fast, taking pole position at its maiden outing in the 1982 24 Hours of Daytona with drivers Rahal, Trueman and Bruce Canepa. It took second overall at the 1982 12 Hours of Sebring with Rahal at the helm. It would continue to race in the 1982 season with appearances at the 6 hours of Riverside, the 100-mile at Laguna Seca and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This car has been authentically restored to its 1982 Daytona-specification setup by Deren, former IMSA Mechanic of the Year award winner and crew chief on the competing sister 82G Red Lobster-sponsored car.
In conclusion, this represents a unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant racing icon which can provide a competition track experience that few have been able to be a part of - its 358 cid, 650 HP Chevrolet transmitting power through a 5 speed Hewland have proven to run at the forefront in period and certainly will now. In addition, its history and presence will continue to inspire all those fortunate enough to witness it at the track or show circuit.
