1981 March-Ford-Cosworth 811

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Amelia Island, Florida | May 22, 2021

March Engineering debuted on the Formula One grid in 1970. Their best years were their early years, and they left after a points-less 1977. March reappeared in 1981, and then packed up their ball again and went home after 1982. They reappeared yet again in 1987 and raced as Leyton House Racing in 1990 and 1991 before a final season as March in 1992.

The 811 was their car for the 1981 season. It featured a 3.0-liter Ford-Cosworth DFV V8, which on this example was recently rebuilt. The competition history for this chassis, 811-05, includes:

• 1981 Spanish Grand Prix – 16th (with Derek Daly)
• 1981 French Grand Prix – 19th, DNF (with Daly)
• 1981 German Grand Prix – 21st, DNF (with Daly)
• 1981 Austrian Grand Prix – 11th (with Daly)
• 1981 Dutch Grand Prix – 20th, DNF (with Daly)
• 1981 Italian Grand Prix – 12th, DNF (with Daly)
• 1981 Canadian Grand Prix – 8th (with Daly)

It was later campaigned in the 1982 British Formula One championship and in the final few races of the 1982 Can-Am season, during which it was modified to look more like a sports car. It was restored to its 1981 F1 glory in 1988 and has been active on the historic circuit. It is expected to bring between $300,000-$400,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $335,000.