Just as British constructor Colin Chapman utterly revolutionized racing-car design and engineering at the Indianapolis 500 during the early 1960s with his Ford-powered, rear-engine Lotus entries, March Engineering was the definitive constructor at Indy during the 1980s. Cofounded in 1969 by Max Mosley, Alan Rees, Graham Coaker and Robin Herd, the company grew quickly, entering Formula 1 in 1970 with Jackie Stewart taking two victories with a March. Other arenas for March would include Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Ford and Can-Am. By 1980, Herd was the sole founder of March still with the company and he astutely entered the fast-growing American market with an Indy car and an IMSA GTP car. Initially, ex-McLaren engineer Cordon Coppuck led the Indy Car project before Adrian Newey took over the program. With six Indianapolis 500 wins already to his credit, legendary crew chief George Bignotti saw the promise offered by the new March chassis early in its development. Always looking for that competitive edge, Bignotti visited March in 1980, and Bignotti-Cotter Racing became the first customer of a March-built chassis for driver Tom Sneva. The resulting March 81C was a tour de force with the latest engineering and aerodynamics, including a special underside capable of generating exceptionally strong downforce at speed. In typical fashion, the veteran Bignotti contributed more than 70 wizard-like modifications that were incorporated into this March 81C, Chassis 81-C-02. Success came quickly, with Sneva driving the Texaco- sponsored Bignotti-Cotter March Chassis 81-C-02 to victory at the 1981 Phoenix and Milwaukee Championship Car races. Chassis 81-C-02 was ultimately the only March chassis to win during the 1981 CART PPG Indy Car season. With this car, Sneva took the pole at the 1981 Michigan 500, and he was the fastest qualifier for the 1981 Indianapolis 500 and led the race for 25 laps prior to clutch failure. Three examples of the 81C contested the 1981 Indianapolis 500, including this car, followed by 17 March entries in 1982, then 18 in 1983, the year Bignotti won his record seventh Indianapolis 500 with Sneva driving a March to Victory Lane. A 12-month restoration of March 81-C-02 was completed in May 2024, with the car resplendent in its colorful period racing livery. Fascinating highlights include the original fuel cell stenciled “G. BIGNOTTI” and all USAC and CART badges and numbers on its central monocoque “tub.” The majority of its components are original and stamped “No. 02.” The turbocharged 2.65L Cosworth V-8 engine is numbered 078-2. Other specifics include the roll bar, front and rear wings, and black racing wheels with silver rims mounting Goodyear Eagle white-letter racing tires. Beginning strongly with the very successful 1981 racing season, March went on to dominate the field throughout the 1980s, including five consecutive Indianapolis 500 wins from 1983 to ‘87, including the 1983 victory there with the ”dream team” of George Bignotti, Tom Sneva and March Engineering. Sold on a bill of sale, March 81-C-02 is an irreplaceable and unique piece of American racing history.
