March 2-4-0

[cds_uk]

Did the 2-4-0 actually make it to a gp weekend, i know it didn`t race but did it ever get a run out in a practice session, also was the 771 ran in the second half of the 1977 season just a 2-4-0 in four wheel trim, thanks guys.

[Vitesse]

The 2-4-0 was never much more than a gimmick, although it was probably the most profitable car March ever built thanks to exhibition fees and Scalextric royalties (not that there was ever one 2-4-0 as the rear end was bolted onto several 761 tubs at various times). Roy Lane did have some success with a loaned 2-4-0 on the hills, but only in the rain!

The 771 was a new design, unrelated to the either the 761 or 761B. So, no connection to the 2-4-0 either.

[cds_uk]

But did it ever make it to a gp weekend, i read recently that Ian Scheckter gave it a run out in the Brazilian GP first practice but went back to the 761B for the rest of the weekend, i am not saying this is false but like Vitesse said i was always under the impression that the 2-4-0 just did a few demo laps for the press and then ended up doing hill climbs.

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by cds_uk

But did it ever make it to a gp weekend, i read recently that Ian Scheckter gave it a run out in the Brazilian GP first practice but went back to the 761B for the rest of the weekend, i am not saying this is false but like Vitesse said i was always under the impression that the 2-4-0 just did a few demo laps for the press and then ended up doing hill climbs.

It practiced in Brazil but never raced.

Lots of info on the 6 Wheelers Here

[cds_uk]

Thanks Alan, nice one.

[allenbrown]

It definitely did not practice in Brazil. It hardly ever ran. The full story of it is in Mike Lawrence's March book and it was mostly gimmick in 1977 and then a curiosity in 1978 and then a show car in 1979. I owned the show car briefly in the mid-1990s having found it in a Goodyear lockup.

Allen

[ensign14]

Indeed as Mike and 8w point out that the one time it did definitely run in F1 trim - for the benefit of assembled hacks at a wet Goodwood - it might have run with drive only going through 2 of the wheels at the back, but no-one noticed...

[cds_uk]

Thanks again guys, just out of interest does anyone know where the car is now, i would love to see it in the flesh.

[PeterMorley]

Originally Posted by cds_uk

Thanks again guys, just out of interest does anyone know where the car is now, i would love to see it in the flesh.

You can't really talk about a single car, the gearbox was fitted to several different chassis during its life. And they made more than one gearbox so it is possible (but unlikely) there was more than one 2-4-0 at the same point in time.

Anyway, one is in a Dutch car museum (but I can't remember which one!).

A friend dropped by with it in his trailer some years ago, he was taking it to the Dutch museum for an exhibition and assumed I would buy it after the exhibition, unfortunately for me the Dutch museum decided to buy it.

This particular 2-4-0 had been used as an exhibit by a tyre company.

Apparently someone who was involved with them still has a gearbox hung on the wall - so there is potential for at least two of them to appear..

[PeterMorley]

Just checked I'm pretty sure the 2-4-0 went to the Louwman Collection, not sure if it is still on display in the current museum or waiting for the opening of the new one.

Actually if it had gone to 'the other Dutch museum" (Autotron) it would probably belong to Louwman by now anyway - he bought that collection some time ago (before buying the Rosso Bianco collection).

[allenbrown]

That friend of yours was the friend of mine with whom I bought the car.

[PeterMorley]

Originally Posted by allenbrown

That friend of yours was the friend of mine with whom I bought the car.

Allen
I'm not sure I knew you were a partner in it at the time (never reveal your sources is a major cornerstone of the dealers code!)?
It was very early in the morning when I saw the beast so my memory is pretty hazy - were you there delivering it?
I seem to remember Roger & someone else had slept in the car (sorry, were guarding the trailer!).
Peter

[allenbrown]

I'm sure our mutual friend wouldn't have mentioned that he had partners in the car. He was on his way too or from Essen with the car when he dropped in on you.

He had to build the car up quickly to get it from the shed where I found it to the Essen Motor Show where it was on display alongside the Williams and Tyrrell six-wheelers. As he was wheeling it out of his workshop to go and get the ferry, the front suspension collapsed and they worked half the night to fix that and get a later ferry. I'm not surprised them were sleeping in the car!

[Dan Rear]

Wow, Allen, I never knew you were an F1 car owner! Was there a plan to race/climb it?

[allenbrown]

You are joking, surely! My interest was that, having found it, I didn't see why someone else should end up with all the profit. Let's just say that the whole experience taught me a great deal.

[WouterM]

It is in Louwman's collection, I have seen it there a few weeks ago.

[driftwood]

My interest was that, having found it, I didn't see why someone else should end up with all the profit. Let's just say that the whole experience taught me a great dealIts not as easy as it looks eh Allen!!!!