We are excited to announce the historic March 707 1000hp beauty is joining the Masters historic motorsport displays on our weekend motoring festival on the 1st and 2nd June.
MARCH Engineering produced a variety of racing cars across different categories. To distinguish between car models and their production year, they utilised the first two digits to denote the year built and the last digit to indicate the specific category. For instance, a 701 represented a Formula 1 car built in 1970.
In its inaugural year, March Engineering Ltd, co-founded by Robin Herd, accomplished a remarkable feat by producing 3 Formula 1 vehicles, 3 Group 7 Sports cars (known as the 707s), and additional F2 and F3 cars (the 702s and 703s). This was an exceptional accomplishment for a newly established company.
What is the purpose of constructing three Group 7 Sport Cars (707s)?
The CanAm, also known as the Canadian/American Challenge, was a competition for sports racing cars with no restrictions on engine capacity. Participants had the freedom to modify their vehicles as they pleased, although there were some basic guidelines to follow. For example, the Hoare Mac’s IT Special featured four rotax engines – one for each wheel – making it a standout among the other entrants.
The sole requirements were for the vehicle to accommodate a passenger and for all wheels to be enclosed.
Group 7 sportscars often employed powerful American engines, typically over 8 liters in size. They were joined by iconic brands like Lola, McLaren, BRM, and March, along with local favorites Shadow and Chaparral. Ferrari and Porsche also utilized their own engines to compete in this category.
The Group 7 cars of that era were significantly faster around the tracks than the F1 cars. This contributed to the popularity and success of the race series, which was largely sponsored by Johnsons Wax and considered the most lucrative in the world. The teams participating enjoyed great financial benefits, including large starting money and prize money that were three times more than what they would earn in F1. Max Mosley had a particular interest in Robin Herd due to his previous design successes with McLaren M6 and M8s, which resulted in the production of March 707. Only three of these cars were built, solidifying Herd’s reputation as a top designer in Can Am racing during that time period.
Chris Amon was employed as the team driver, known for his impressive racing skills. History has since labeled him as “the best driver to never win a world championship”. He had previously raced for Ferrari in their 612 during 1969, both in CanAm and F1. Amon was a fan of the car’s handling, but felt it lacked the power needed to compete against McLaren. He approached Robin Herd to design the 707, which would have the same wheelbase and track as the Ferrari 612 but with increased horsepower, allowing him to properly challenge in the CanAm series.
707 No. 1, the development car, underwent thorough testing during its first few months, including a run at the Nordschleife with Robin Herd as passenger and Chris Amon behind the wheel reaching speeds of over 200 mph. The goal was to fine-tune the car’s performance for use on its counterpart, 707 No. 2, which was en route to the US for Amon’s participation in CanAm.
707 No. 3 was a display vehicle for STP Oil Treatments, the team’s major backers at the time, and did not compete during its time on the circuit.
The European version of CanAm, also known as “INTERSERIE,” was the stage for 707 No. 1 to showcase its speed and skill under the factory’s watchful eye. To drive the red STP livery car in Europe, the factory recruited acclaimed German racer Helmut Kelleners in 1970. Kelleners’ impressive victories included conquering the UK race at Croft, triumphing over strong competitors such as Porsches, Lolas, and McLarens from Group 7.
During the winter of 1970/71, modifications were made to 707 No. 1. The front water radiator was swapped out for two side radiators and the long nose with winglets was shortened to create a greater frontal downforce. As a result, this car was rebranded as 717 No.1. Driver Kelleners remained with MARCH and continued to race in the only 717 model that was produced.
Kelleners acquired the vehicle in 1972 and adorned it with a blue livery, proudly sponsored by Weisberg-Werkzeuge. However, Porsche had already released the 917/30 turbo charged beast with an astonishing 1150 BHP. And if that wasn’t enough, the boost could be raised to reach an impressive 1500 BHP. These cars quickly became the ones to beat, leaving competitors like MARCH and McLaren (who topped out at best at 840 BHP) trailing behind.
In 1973, the car was sold to Stephan Sklanar, who raced it for three seasons with moderate success. Three years later, it was then purchased by fellow Austrian Helmut Pust. As an avid collector and admirer of the 707, he restored the car to its original specifications with the long nose and winglets. Despite his interest in racing, Pust chose not to compete with it and instead stored it in his factory workshop located in Wiener Neustadt.
After a decade and a half, the Dodkins brothers successfully purchased 707/717 No. 1, after two years of intense negotiations, and brought it back to the UK. Racing Fabrications then rebuilt the car for its participation in the International Steigenberger Supersports Cup, as well as other categories within the historic racing scene, specifically for Group 7 Sportscars. The venture proved to be highly successful.
During the time of historic racing, there were many memorable events and races that took place. It was a significant era in the world of racing, filled with noteworthy moments and achievements.
After being rebuilt, the car received an 8.8 litre Chevrolet V8 engine that produced impressive numbers: 845 BHP and 800 lb/ft of torque. Weighing in at only 850 kilos, it quickly became a top contender on the track. Chris Chiles loaned out the No. 1 car (707/717) and dominated every race except for one in its second season of 1995. Since then, a multitude of drivers, including the owners, have achieved great success and multiple wins over the past three decades.
The year 2006 marked the vehicle’s restoration to its proper 717 model and iconic Weisberg design. Since then, it has consistently dominated, triumphing in various competitions such as multiple victories at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and two F1 support races in Melbourne. It has also achieved success on tracks in Phillip Island, Australia, Hampton Downs, New Zealand, as well as many other circuits across Europe and the UK. Notably, it has also emerged victorious in the US at Road America and Daytona.
For the past 30 years, this Group 7 sports car has been a dominant force in historic racing events all around the world. Its consistent success is a testament to its well-executed campaigns.
Who is MARCH?
In 1969, March Engineering Ltd was established by a team whose initials created the acronym MARCH.
| M | Max Mosley – A Barrister, Racing driver, entrepreneur, who became in later life president of the FIA |
| A
R |
Alan Rees – Racing driver who became the general manager |
| C | Graham Coaker – Engineer, racing driver who sadly died in 1971 from sepsis following accident in a F2 car at Silverstone. |
| H | Robin Herd – Designer. He was McLaren’s first designer between 1965-1969. He was at that time largely responsible for McLaren’s dominance in Can Am with the highly successful M6 and M8 derivatives over that period. |
