Description:

March 80A-1

‘Uncle’ Jacques Villeneuve, brother of Gilles, won the North American Formula Atlantic Series in 1980 at the wheel of a March 80A. This is an opportunity to purchase a highly original and successful Formula Atlantic from the heyday of a category fondly remembered by many.

Well-suited to HSCC’s Derek Bell Trophy in the UK and multiple series for single-seaters across Europe, there are also excellent opportunities for these cars in the USA where the flat-bottomed 80A can race with SVRA, CSRG, HMSA, HSR and others.

This is chassis 1, originally owned by Edinburgh businessman Bernard Hunter and raced in the 1980 Hitachi Formula Atlantic Series in the UK and Ireland. Allen Brown’s excellent website describes the context for this series with detailed results from each round and commentary on 80A-1 at https://www.oldracingcars.com/atlantic/uk/1980/

Bernard died in 2010, but the family Crane Hire company still bears his name and in 2021 published a book to celebrate its first 75 Years. This includes a chapter on his exploits as racing driver including Formula Atlantic in 1980 with this car, run by Colin Bennett Racing, and a third place at Brands Hatch. Professional photos of 80A-1 in its period dark blue and white livery would help a new owner restore the car to its original appearance.

Carefully stored as part of a large collection for the last 25 years, the March is in very good condition and needs only straightforward preparation to return to the track. The 80A is a popular and successful model, spare parts are available, and the cockpit can accommodate tall drivers. Specification is standard 80A with alloy monocoque, Hewland FT200 gearbox and other period features.

BDA 1600 engine was recently rebuilt to race specification by Kenny McKinstry with new parts including pistons, bearings and gaskets and has zero running hours since rebuild.  Kenny's career as rally driver includes countless wins in Ireland and GB, and the 1999 UK National championship. Ford BD engines were central to his early career and his experience with them is exceptional.

The car can be sold without BDA if requested.

Scrutiny stickers confirm that 80A-1 ran in May 1998 at the RAC Superprix for the inauguration of the new Mondello Park International Circuit, near Dublin, and again at Mondello in May 1999. This was its last outing as far as we know, the car retaining the red and white colours of Irish racing legend Tommy Reid and carefully stored ever since.

The car can be viewed at Crosslé Car Company, close to Belfast City Airport, and transported worldwide at competitive rates.

Website:

https://www.oldracingcars.com/atlantic/uk/1980/

Keyword Search Terms:

March 80A 1980 Formula Atlantic BDA 1600, Crossle Crosslé Bernard Hunter Crane Hire Villeneuve