Fantasy Junction

Description

1983 RAM March 01 Formula 1

Chassis No. – RAM 0303
Color – White, blue, Red and Green “Avis” Racing Livery
Engine –Cosworth DFY 3.0-liter V8
Transmission – Hewland FG 400 5-speed manual transaxle

Highlights of This Car

Period Grand Prix racing history driven by Derek Daly, Alan Jones, and others
Raced in European and North America Masters series under current ownership
Finished 1st in the 2013 Classic Grand Prix Algarve Classic Festival
The last privateer Formula 1 car built for competition

General History

Having built and competed in Formula 1 from 1976-1985 the partnership of Mike Ralph and John MacDonald formed RAM as the acronym for their organization that would campaign cars driven by Derek Daly, Alan Jones, Lella Lombardi and many others as the last privateers to compete in Formul1 1.

For 1983, the Dave Kelly designed RAM March 01 was constructed using then state-of-the-art F1 technology which included all-aluminum monocoque construction, double wishbone suspension, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and pull-rod actuated coil springs and dampers. For power, the impressive 3.0-liter Ford Cosworth DFY V8 engine capable of 530 hp was mated to a Hewland FGA 400 5-speed manual shift transaxle. The lightweight construction, minimal frontal cross section, and massive rear wing produced a powerful combination when it was prepared and campaigned for the 1983 season.

History of This Car

The third and last RAM 01 built, this car was prepared for the 1983 season and raced by four drivers including entrance at eleven Grand Prix events - Monaco and Belgian Grand Prix, Hockenheim, Zandvoort, Monza and Brands Hatch with the following race results and event participation:

12th place 1983 South African Grand Prix driven by Kenny Acheson
15th place 1983 Brazilian Grand Prix driven by Eliseo Salazar
1983 Canadian Grand Prix driven by Jacques-Joseph Villeneuve Sr.
1983 French Grand Prix driven by Jean-Louis Schlesser

At the conclusion of the 1983 season, 0303 continued to be raced by individuals actively participating in vintage Formula 1 events with the following notable finishes including the 1997 FIA Historic F1 Championship (then known as the Thoroughbred Championship) driven by Bob Berridge.

Winner Thoroughbred F1 Championship with driver Bob Berridge
1st place 2013 Classic Grand Prix Algarve Classic Festival
2nd place 2014 Canadian Grand Prix Master Support Race

Documentation accompanying this car include FIA papers (2017), service invoices under prior ownership, an overview of the ownership history documented from 1983-2010, and a Statement of Authenticity prepared by Allen Brown covering the history of this car.

Current Ownership and Services

The current owner purchased this RAM from notable race experts at Speedmaster in April 2013. Under current ownership the engine was comprehensively rebuilt by vintage F1 experts at Australian Performance Engineering logging 6.5 engine hours since the engine rebuild was completed and no hours since the gearbox was rebuilt. Additional work performed on the car included a new fuel cell in 2014, new belts, a new Momo steering wheel, fire system updated in 2014, and the starter replaced. After 2015 and 2016, parade laps were driven by the current owner in Austin, TX and the car was further serviced including rewiring for the data system, new flywheel and ring gear, bearings repacked, rotors and brakes reworked, new plugs installed, and crack testing in 2016 (no cracks found). Having participated in Masters Series with FIA papers through 2017, this RAM March 01 is favorably equipped with the non-turbocharged Cosworth engine making it faster than a 76 March and very capable of running at the head of the pack in future vintage F1 Masters Series events.

Current Condition and Presentation

Today this RAM 01 presents as a performance statement of period F1 design and engineering that continues to impress despite more than 40 years since construction was completed. The bodywork is in excellent condition with finishes better than typically found on vintage race cars. The paint, high quality graphics, and accurate details reflect the period racing era when the car was first driven. The design is pure and clean offering state-of-the-art construction and design that was remarkably well-conceived including aerodynamic body elements, air intakes ,and brake cooling. The carefully engineered suspension, floating rear wing, and impressive 530hp Cosworth engine and Hewland gearbox package combine to deliver a purposeful F1 car. The interior is well laid out featuring Sabelt seat harnesses (dated 2019), a new Momo steering wheel, and SPA Design gauges. A Lifeline fire suppression system, good through 2016, is installed at the forward bulkhead.

Construction details for the engine, suspension, fuel system, brakes, and gearbox have been professionally prepared and appear in excellent visual condition including the suspension components complete with certification stamps. The underside of the car and the original tub reflect no evidence of structural damage with typical scuff marks as seen on cars with vintage event history. The features, fasteners, and construction throughout the car appear consistent with uncompromised chassis and suspension components from this era including a carbon fiber rear valance with dual exhaust exits. Since the last review and mechanical service in 2016, this car has been retained in dry California storage primarily for display purposes, thus the next owner should expect to engage a qualified racing shop to address all soft components, fluids, hydraulic systems, hoses, and other consumables.

Included with this RAM 01

This RAM 01 is accompanied by period articles, documentation and statement of authenticity from Allen Brown, FIA papers (through 2017), copies of export paperwork from former ownership, and selected invoices covering services under prior ownership.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608