Description
In principle, a driver can never have enough power at his disposal, but there are cases where driving professionals know how to appreciate all the horsepower at their service. That’s the feeling of the March 74S, which is in fact a simple evolution of the 73S. The latter marks March’s return to sports prototypes after a first foray in 1970 with an impressive 707 equipped with an 8. 7 liter V8. This comeback is made with a much more modest engine. It is in fact the result of a commercial “coup” carried out by March’s managers. Max Mosley and Robin Herd had signed an agreement with BMW Motorsport to have an exclusive (the first year) 2-liter engine tailored for Formula 2. In the impetus of this partnership, March even considered marketing modified road-going BMWs in Great Britain, but, for lack of funds, this project was quickly abandoned. The deal in question indicates however that March committed itself to buy 50 engines… As a result, in parallel to the Formula 2 chassis, the 732, March launched the production of a 2-liter sports car intended for the European sports car championship.
After a promising first race with the legend, Jody Scheckter in South Africa and a great offensive by March’s sales team, 19 cars were produced for the 1973 season, all equipped with the famous BMW M12/ 7 engine. Unfortunately, if the 732 stamped it’s authority in Formula 2 in the hands of a certain Jean-Pierre Jarier, the 73S struggled to express itself at the front. The following season, March continued its efforts with the new 74S, a subtle evolution of its predecessor. Eleven examples were produced (March built 87 cars that year, all disciplines included). While most of these prototypes received the German 4-cylinder engine, two chassis were equipped with a Cosworth DFV Formula 1 V8! This is the case of chassis 006, the car we are proud to be offering.
Entered by the Mike Coomb Auto Racing team, this DFV-propelled March competed in three races during the 1974 season. Expected to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it actually made its debut the same weekend at the Nürburgring during a round of the European Can-am. First entered for the Nürburgring Interserie race by Brian Henton in June 1974, our March 74S-06 had the status of a semi-official car. He would qualify 15th but retire from the race. Now with Henton partnering with Vittorio Brambilla, it was then entered in the World Sports Car Championship at the 1000 kilometers of Le Castellet and the 1000 kilometers of Brands Hatch. On the Paul Ricard Circuit, after qualifying on the second row of the grid behind a Matra and a Mirage Golf, Vittorio Brambilla long held third place before being forced to retire. At Brands Hatch, the Bob Evans / Richard Lloyd pairing finished 8th come the chequered flag.
After being acquired by the current owner in the early 2000s, it was completely restored, repainted in its original colours (it was orange at the time of purchase) and successfully entered for the Peter Auto Classic Endurance Racing series. Followers of the Peter Auto series will no doubt remember an epic battle for first place at the 2009 Spa Classic that its owner fought at the wheel of this March 74S against a formidable Porsche 936. The car is widely eligible today, including MASTERS Sports Car Legends. Classic Endurance Racing by Peter Auto, Daytona Classic 24 Hours and Sebring Classic 12 Hours by HSR, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Carefully maintained and prepared, the car will anyway require the standard work to be done on it to get it back on the track (crack-test, fuel tank etc…). Light, powerful and rare, this MARCH 74S, Chassis 06 is the perfect entrant for those looking to fight at the front of historics racing.
There were only two March 74S’ provided from factory with a Cosworth DFV, and we suspect that this may be the sole remaining DFV powered 74S in existence. It is a jewel of a car and a seriously competitive racing machine which in turn, highlights the golden age of sports car racing.
