1983 March 83G Coupe

The Adrian Newey-designed March 83G had a fiberglass body, an aluminum honeycomb chassis, and plenty of downforce created by the winds and ground effects.

This particular example, chassis number 83G-02, is powered by a 383 cubic-inch overhead valve V-8 engine fitted with a Kinsler fuel injection system and develops an estimated 550 horsepower. There is a five-speed Hewland DGB transaxle and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

This 83G, named the 'Spirit of Miami' was completed in January of 1983. It won back-to-back IMSA Championships in 1983 and 1984 and achieved six outright wins and 12 finishes of seventh or better in the top prototype category of IMSA racing. Its drivers include Al Holbert, Randy Lanier, Bill Whittington, and Don Whittington.

Al Holbert leased this car from the factory in 1983. It then won the 1983 Miami Grand Prix, which helped Holbert win the 1983 IMSA Camel Championship. It was raced by Emerson Fittipaldi, who came out of retirement to drive it in the 1984 Miami Grand Prix.

Randy Lanier and Bill Whittington formed Blue Thunder Racing, and after its Miami race in February of 1984, acquired this March-Chevrolet. They then set seven qualifying lap records and two lap records, and to take three overall victories. Lanier would ultimately win the 1984 IMSA Championship.

One of the family members of one of the racing drivers purchased the car in 1989. It was given a full restoration in 2006. Currently, the car is powered by a Boyd 383 CID Chevrolet small block engine.

Since its restoration, the car has been campaigned in two Historic Sportscar Racing events: at Sebring and Daytona.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019

The March Company developed a brand new GTP car in response to FISA introducing Group C and the IMSA GTP regulations. Adrian Newey designed the 82G which many have described as 'immediately fast'. The 82G was a successful car and eventually evolved into the 83G model. A total of four 83G cars were made; one went to Nissan and the remaining three went to Al Holbert. Chassis 83G-02 was fitted with a 366 cubic-inch Chevrolet engine with mechanical fuel injection which made 620 horsepower and weighed only 2,200 pounds. Dressed in red and white CRC livery it won the 1983 inaugural Miami Grand Prix in the hands of Al Holbert. It was driven by Emerson Fittipaldi at the second Miami Grand Prix. Ironically the car's last race was a prior Miami Grand Prix. After being stored for many years it was finally restored and put up for sale in 2018. The current owners reunited Emerson and the car at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours where he autographed the engine lid just behind the driver's pod. Amelia Island Concours Chairman Bill Warner provided photos he took at the Miami Grand Prix which were used to recreate the exact livery.