Argo Racing Cars
Argo Racing Cars
Founded
1981
Founders
Jo Marquart, Nick Jordan
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
England
Argo Racing Cars
Founded
1981
Founders
Jo Marquart, Nick Jordan
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
England
About this brand
Discover the history
Argo Racing Cars, a notable name in the world of motorsport, was established in 1981 by Swiss engineer and designer Jo Marquart and British mechanic Nick Jordan. The brand quickly became known for producing competitive race cars that excelled in various motorsport categories. Argo’s journey began with a focus on creating innovative and high-performance vehicles for Formula 3, Formula Atlantic, and other racing series.
Jo Marquart’s expertise in engineering and design played a crucial role in Argo’s early success. Marquart had previously worked with major racing teams and brought a wealth of experience to the new venture. The company’s first car, the Argo JM1, was introduced in 1981 for the Formula Atlantic series. The JM1’s design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight construction, making it a formidable competitor on the track. The car’s success in North America, particularly in the Canadian and U.S. Formula Atlantic championships, helped establish Argo’s reputation.
Argo Racing Cars continued to expand its presence in the motorsport world throughout the 1980s. The company developed a range of models, each tailored to specific racing categories. The Argo JM6, introduced in 1982, was designed for the European Formula 3 series and quickly gained traction among privateer teams and drivers. The JM6’s competitive performance and reliability made it a popular choice, further cementing Argo’s status as a reputable racing car manufacturer.
In addition to Formula 3 and Formula Atlantic, Argo also ventured into sports car racing. The Argo JM16, launched in 1983, was a Group C2 prototype sports car designed for endurance racing. The JM16 competed in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship, demonstrating Argo’s versatility and engineering prowess. Although the Group C2 class was highly competitive, the JM16’s innovative design and performance earned it respectable results, showcasing Argo’s ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
Argo’s success continued into the late 1980s and early 1990s with the introduction of new models and advancements in technology. The company remained committed to innovation, constantly refining its designs to meet the evolving demands of motorsport. The Argo JM19, a development of the earlier JM16, featured improvements in aerodynamics and chassis construction, further enhancing its competitiveness in sports car racing.
Despite its achievements, Argo Racing Cars faced financial challenges in the early 1990s. The economic climate and changes in motorsport regulations posed significant hurdles for smaller manufacturers. In 1992, the company ceased operations, marking the end of an era for Argo. However, the brand’s legacy lived on through the many race cars that continued to compete in various events worldwide.
