1972 March 721G

In 1970, March entered the Formula 1 scene with their 701. The March Company was formed by Robin Herd, Max Mosely, Graham Coaker, and Alan Rees. The company produced 11 Formula 1 cars for 1970, despite not being too quick. Ken Tyrrell purchased a 710 for World Champion Jacky Stewart to drive.

Next came the March 711. The chassis for this car was designed by ex-Lotus employee Geoff Ferris with a body designed by Frank Costin. One of the more recognizable features for this new car was the 'tea-tray' front wing. At the close of the season, Swedish driver Ronnie Petterson finished second in the driver's championship and March third in the constructor's championship.

Next came the 721X ('x' for experimental) for 1972. It had a new and unique rear suspension setup, which featured high-mounted rear springs. The Alfa Romeo transverse gearbox was positioned between the engine and the rear axle, instead of the conventional design of behind the rear axle. The gearbox was intended to have a low polar moment.

The car's first outing was at the Spanish Grand Prix, but was met with a DNQ. At Monaco, Clarke-Morduant-Guthrie Racing achieved a 13th place. At the Nurburgring, the car finished 8th, followed by a 10th at the Italian Grand Prix. At the US Grand Prix, the 721G finished 13th, followed by a 15th at the JPS Challenge Trophy, and a 10th at the Argentine Grand Prix.

Had March started with the 721G at the beginning of the season, they may have been able to get it properly dialed-in. Unfortunately, the 1972 Formula One season was not very successful for March. They built three distinct models, beginning with the 721, which was a development the 711. This was followed by the 721X factory cars. Then came the 721G.

The following season, the four extant 721Gs were re-bodied and given nose-mounted radiators and the crash-absorbing deformable structures to comply with racing regulations. Though there were no new chassis' built, they were re-designated 721s.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012