British manufacturer and Formula One constructor March Engineering began operation in 1969 by its four founders, Max Mosley, Alan Rees, Graham Coaker, and Robin Herd. The name 'March' was chosen by using initials from their first or last names. Each of these individuals brought unique qualities and talents to the team. Herd was the designer, Rees was the team's manager, Coaker oversaw production, and Mosley handled the commercial side of the operation. The purpose of the company was to provide chassis for customers competing in all racing categories. In 1969 the company built a Formula 3 car. A year later, they produced an F1 racer, the 701, which they used for team competition and to supply to privateers. In the non-championship Race of Champions, Jackie Stewart gave March its first F1 victory. He won the Spanish Grand Prix a month later. In the years to come, the company would become more successful in more classes, except for the F1 program, than any other manufacturer. Their products appeared in Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Ford 1600, and CanAm.
In 1972 the Company introduced the 722 for Formula Atlantic competition in the European market, and the 72B for Formula B competition in the US. The 73B was the 1973 March Formula Atlantic/B racer. The 74B was the Formula Atlantic/B racer for 1974. This basic naming sequence was used until 1982 when March ended their production of Formula Atlantic/B racers. As early as 1979, the letter 'A' had replaced the letter 'B' in the naming sequence for March Formula Atlantic/B racers. There were 25 examples of the 80A Ford-powered racers constructed in 1980 by March.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
The team's first Formula B/Atlantic car was the 705, of which, there were five created. It had a space-frame chassis and a Hewland FT200. Design inspiration came from the company's first car, the Type 693 Formula 3 racer. The company's next Formula B/Atlantic car was the 712B/71B. These had a monocoque chassis based on the 712M Formula 2 car and the 713M Formula 3 car. Power was from a twin-cam Ford unit.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
