1985 March 85G
1985 March 85G
Brand
March
Year
1985
Country
Great Britain
Generation
85G
1985 March 85G
Brand
March
Year
1985
Country
Great Britain
Generation
85G
About this car
Discover the history
The March 85G was an iconic sports prototype car developed in 1985 by March Engineering, primarily designed by the highly-regarded engineer Adrian Newey. It represented a continuation of March’s efforts to compete in both the IMSA GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) and Group C racing categories. The 85G was notable for its aerodynamic design, incorporating an aluminum honeycomb chassis, which significantly improved rigidity and safety compared to its predecessors. This innovative design contributed to its durability and performance in competitive endurance racing.
The car was powered by various engines, but the most common setup involved a Porsche engine, particularly a turbocharged flat-six derived from the Porsche 935. Other teams used engines such as the V6 Buick turbo and the Chevrolet V8, depending on the racing series and specific requirements. The Porsche variant became one of the most recognizable, pairing advanced German engineering with March’s chassis design. This combination made the March 85G an attractive option for privateer teams across different continents, contributing to its diverse racing legacy.
In terms of racing pedigree, the March 85G had a varied career. It made its debut at the 3 Hours of Daytona in 1984, though its early outings were plagued by reliability issues. One of the cars, driven by legendary driver Emerson Fittipaldi, retired early. Despite these initial setbacks, the 85G eventually found success. In 1985, the car achieved its only overall race win at the Fuji 1000 km, part of the World Sportscar Championship. The win came under unusual circumstances, as heavy rain led many top teams to withdraw from the race, but the March 85G, driven by Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Akira Hagiwara, and Keiji Matsumoto, triumphed.
The car was also competitive in the IMSA GTP series, racing against other prototypes from manufacturers such as Nissan and Jaguar. One of the most famous March 85G models competed under the Kalagian team in the United States, securing several strong finishes. Later, in 1986, the 85G participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it won the IMSA GTP class and placed 14th overall, outperforming many factory entries. This result highlighted the car’s endurance racing capabilities, and it became a respected participant in both European and American competitions.
Over the years, the March 85G continued to be a popular choice for privateers in historic racing. Many of the remaining chassis were restored and campaigned in events such as the Group C Racing series and the Le Mans Classic. The car’s adaptability to different engines and its solid design made it a lasting figure in the world of historic racing, where it remains a competitive and reliable option.
In summary, the March 85G was a well-rounded prototype racer that, despite some early reliability issues, achieved success in endurance racing. Its blend of advanced aerodynamics, versatile engine compatibility, and resilient chassis design made it a favorite among privateer teams, and it continues to be celebrated in vintage racing events today. Its victories at races like the Fuji 1000 km and its class win at Le Mans cement its legacy as one of March Engineering’s notable achievements.
