GTP Coupe
Chassis #: M378/001
The Porsche 917 was a dominant force in racing, but when rule changes were imposed in 1972, this left the door open for Matra to win three LeMans 24 Hour victories in a row. They withdrew after 1974. The Porsche Carreras, Cosworth-powered Gulf-Marages, and Lolas made the 1975 LeMans an interesting race, adding a degree of competition throughout the ranks. In 1976, two French entrepreneurs added two vehicles to contest the legendary race.Jean Rondeau and Gerard Welter began work (in Rondeau's backyard, no less) on two cars that would race around one of motorsport's most legendary circuits, at one of the most grueling races on the calendar. Both individuals were not new to the sport, nor were they amateurs. Rondeau had raced at Le Mans in 1972, 1973, and 1975, and Welter worked at Peugeot as their designer. The plan was to use the Peugeot/Renault/Volvo 2.7 liter V6 engine, which would mean strong French support. But Rondeau felt the English Cosworth V-8 had more potential. A steel space frame with aluminum box sections around the engine was created and clothed with an aerodynamic GTP body. The overweight was just 1,795 pounds and the engine offered an impressive 415 horsepower at 9,000 RPM.With the use of the English engine meant Rondeau eliminated the hope of getting any local sponsorship. Instead, Rondeau increased revenue by selling the name of the car to the major sponsor, coloured paper maker Inaltera. French TV stations would not mention the name.
At the 1976 LeMans race, the turbocharged Porsche 936 took the overall victory. Jean-Pierre Beltoise and Henri Pescarolo won the GTP class and finished 8th overall. Rondeau and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud finished 21st and 3rd in GTP. The following season, the Inalteras performed even better, with Rondeau and Jean Ragnotti finishing 1st in GTP and 4th overall. The other cars finished 11th and 13th overall.
Noel de Bello entered chassis number 001 at the 1985 LeMans, but mechanical problems ended his race in the 7th hour. Noel de Bello went on to race the car at Hockenheim, Brands Hatch, and Spa that year, and returned to Le Mans in 1986, finishing 17th and 5th in C2.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2012
1978 Rondeau M378 Le Mans GTP Vehicle Profiles
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