1976 TOJ SC 304
1976 TOJ SC 304
Brand
TOJ
Year
1976
Country
Germany
Generation
TOJ SC 304
1976 TOJ SC 304
Brand
TOJ
Year
1976
Country
Germany
Generation
TOJ SC 304
About this car
Discover the history
The 1976 TOJ SC 304 is a significant model in the history of sports car racing, designed and built by the German team TOJ (Team Obermoser Jörg). It was created to compete in FIA Group 6, a category for prototypes, and was an evolution of TOJ’s previous designs. The car was notable for its innovative engineering and its use of a Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine, mated to a Hewland FG400 gearbox, components that would become familiar in high-performance racing prototypes. The SC 304 featured a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis and a highly advanced suspension system, which was a blend of independent suspensions optimized for both high-speed stability and agility on tight corners.
The SC 304’s racing debut occurred in the 1976 24 Hours of Le Mans, though it didn’t finish the race. The car was entered by Swiss driver H. Schulthess, but due to insufficient preparation and a mechanical failure during practice, the car was unable to complete the race. Despite this setback, the TOJ SC 304 demonstrated its potential in other events. Its first competitive success came later in 1976 at Mainz-Fithen, where it secured a 12th-place finish, followed by a 9th place at Hockenheim in the Südwest-Pokal-Rennen. These results proved the car’s capabilities despite the challenges it faced early in its racing career.
By the end of the 1976 season, the SC 304 had gained some recognition, including its entry into various European endurance races. It was known for its distinctive Warsteiner sponsorship livery, which was a golden anodized finish with the iconic beer brand’s logo. The car was actively used in the Interserie series, and during the 1977 season, it participated in races such as the 500 km at Monza and the Avus event in Berlin. However, despite these efforts, it struggled to achieve podium finishes, though it remained competitive in the class.
The TOJ SC 304’s racing pedigree includes its role in various events, including some iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hockenheim, and Monza, where it competed against some of the most established teams and manufacturers of the era. After its time with its original owner, the car changed hands several times, undergoing restorations and maintenance to preserve its race-ready condition. The car was later acquired by its current owner in 2013, and following a refurbishment by Foxcraft Racing, it was found to be in excellent running condition. The car remains eligible for historic racing events, including those in the Classic Endurance Racing (CER) series.
The TOJ SC 304 is a key part of sports car racing history, especially for its role in Group 6 competition during the 1970s. Its combination of advanced engineering and competitive racing pedigree has made it a valuable piece of motorsport heritage. The car remains an attractive entry in historic racing events, with its unique history and race results enhancing its legacy as one of the more interesting, albeit underperforming, prototypes from that era.
