1971 March 711
- Engine
- 3.0L V8 Ford-Cosworth DFV, twin cam, mechanical fuel injection, ~450 bhp
The March 711/2 is the second works chassis built for the 1971 March-STP Formula 1 campaign, notable for being the primary mount of Ronnie Peterson during the first half of that season — contributing directly to his championship runner-up result — and for being the first Formula 1 car ever driven by Niki Lauda, at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix. Designed with Frank Costin's distinctive 'Spitfire' nose wing, the car later underwent a full restoration in 1996 and subsequently campaigned in historic Formula 1 competition, winning the 1999 COPE Classic GP European series.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €550,000 – €650,000
- 1971 → 1972Factory deliveryMarch-STP works teamfull documentation
Factory works entry used as primary car for Ronnie Peterson in the first half of 1971, then relegated to spare status before being retired at season's end.
- 1973 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignor, racing enthusiastfull documentation
Long-term single custodian who commissioned a professional restoration in 1996 and actively campaigned the car in historic F1 competition. Ownership span exceeds four decades.
Competition
- 1971-03-01Formula 1 World Championship1971 South African Grand PrixDriver: Ronnie Peterson10th
Season debut for this chassis at Kyalami; described as an unimpressive start to the campaign.
- 1971-05-01Formula 1 World Championship1971 Monaco Grand PrixDriver: Ronnie Peterson2nd
- 1971-06-011971 Rhein-PokalrennenDriver: Ronnie Peterson2nd
- 1971-06-01Formula 1 World Championship1971 Dutch Grand PrixDriver: Ronnie Peterson4th
Raced approximately one week after the Rhein-Pokalrennen.
- 1971-08-15Formula 1 World Championship1971 Austrian Grand PrixDriver: Niki LaudaDNF — steering failure
This was Lauda's first-ever Formula 1 start; he was a relatively new addition to the March-STP squad at the time.
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Silverstone roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
One of several rounds contributing to the consignor's overall 1999 series championship.
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Monza roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Nürburgring roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Dijon roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Zolder roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Zandvoort roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
- 1999COPE Classic GP (European F1 historic series)COPE Classic GP — Salzburgring roundpodium / strong finish contributing to series victory
Maintenance & restoration
- 1996RestorationMartin Stresser
A thorough restoration was carried out, returning the car to proper running order after a period of retirement.
Work performed in England on behalf of the long-term private owner.
- —Engine rebuildHeini Mader
The Cosworth DFV engine was tuned and freshly prepared for competition use.
Work conducted in Switzerland; engine described as ready for renewed racing campaigns at time of sale.
- —Inspection
A comprehensive crack inspection was carried out, confirming the car's structural integrity; an FIA Historic Technical Passport was issued.
Car confirmed to be in fully original condition, retaining its original magnesium March wheels.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.