1977 March 771 Formula 1
- Engine
- 3.0L V8 DOHC Cosworth DFV, paired with Hewland FG400 five-speed gearbox
- Colour
- Rothmans livery (white, blue and gold)
The March 771-01 is a 1977 Formula 1 car built for the Rothmans-backed March team, powered by a Cosworth DFV V8 and Hewland FG400 gearbox. Originally used as a practice chassis by Ian Scheckter at the 1977 Belgian Grand Prix, its components were later merged with those of sister car 771-02 after the latter's accident at Watkins Glen, creating the hybrid known as '771-1/2'. It raced at the 1977 Canadian Grand Prix and subsequently competed in UK hillclimbs before passing through historic racing preparation and private ownership.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €314,375 (≈ $346K)
- 1979 →Acquisition unknownRoy Lanepartial documentation
Entered the car in several UK hillclimb events, winning three times.
- Date unknownPrivate saleMartin Strettonpartial documentation
Purchased, restored, and prepared the car for historic competition use.
- Date unknownPrivate saleGiorgio Galvaninpartial documentation
Former Formula 3 driver who had noted preparer Mauro Pane work on the car.
Competition
- 1977Formula 1 World Championship1977 Belgian Grand PrixDriver: Ian Scheckter
Chassis used solely as a practice car at Zolder; did not race.
- 1977Formula 1 World Championship1977 Japanese Grand PrixDNS
Entry planned but travel visa complications prevented participation.
- 1977-10-09Formula 1 World Championship1977 Canadian Grand PrixDriver: Ian ScheckterRetired — engine failure after 29 laps, qualified 18th
Car was by then a composite of parts from two chassis following the Watkins Glen accident on 2 October 1977.
- 1979UK Hillclimb EventsDriver: Roy Lane1st place on three occasions
Entered in multiple British hillclimb rounds throughout the season.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2001Inspection
All magnesium and aluminium components were examined for signs of corrosion and structural cracking.
- 2014Mechanical
Over €7,500 spent on parts and labour across 2014 and 2015, covering replacement driveshafts, yokes, and CV joints, plus a rebuild of the Hewland FG400 gearbox.
Work spanned two calendar years; gearbox overhaul included.
- —RestorationMartin Stretton
Car was fully restored and prepared for historic motorsport competition by Martin Stretton following its hillclimb period.
- —MaintenanceMauro Pane
Car prepared for competition by renowned preparer Mauro Pane on behalf of owner Giorgio Galvanin.
Are you the owner of this car?
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