March ‘85G # 06 was assembled at the March factory in late 1984 or early 1985. It was delivered to John Kalagian in the spring of 1985. The race history of March ‘85G # 06 is shown in an addition document. March ’86 G #06 is one of four (4) March GTP cars to run the Porsche engine. At this time only three (3) exist. The sister car, March ‘85G # 05 also equipped with Porsche power plant was destroyed in a racing accident circa 1986.
John Kalagian raced the car in the IMSA series in the 1985 season. The car was then sold to Richard Cleare in the UK. Richard Cleare ran ‘85G #06 in Europe in the 1986 + 1987 season endurance races with a class win and 14th overall at the 1986 Le Mans 24 hour. Both John Kalagian and Richard Cleare were “privateers” meaning they did not have significant corporate sponsorship. Considering the “privateer” status of both Kalagain and Cleare, the car was successful with many top 10 finishes in IMSA as well as Europe. Having run both IMSA and in Europe is a rare combination of racing history.
Richard Cleare owned the car until 2004 when it was sold to Peter Schleifer. Peter Schleifer owned ’85 G #06 until 2007 when I purchased the car. The car has clear ownership documentation as well as significant documentation from the era. In addition, many pictures exist verifying the history of the car.
March ’85 G #06 is also mentioned frequently in “Time and two seats” written by Janos Wimpfen.
March ’85 G #06 has received a complete “bare tub” up restoration.
The tub was 100% striped, soda blasted and polished. Every possible nut, bolt, washer , fastner and fitting was removed and replaced.
As the attached photos show, all the “hard” suspension parts have been “Cad-plated, anodized or restored to their original finish. A four (4) Bilstein shocks have been rebuilt. A four (4) coilover springs tested.
Every drop link, wheel bearing, tie rod end, suspension bearing have been replaced as needed.
The pedal assembly was rebuilt.
AP brake calipers were rebuilt and new master cylinders installed. Any plumbing related to the brake system was replaced.
150 + parts were sent for crack check and or X-ray.
All AN lines were pressure tested and replaced as needed.
The entire electrical system has been replaced with Aviation grade/ Mil spec. wire. The entire tub has been rewired. All gauges were sent out to be tested and restored. All the switches, connectors, fuses and electrical components were inspected, tested and replaced as necessary.
The Oil cooler, Transmission cooler, Fuel cooler and Intercooler have been tested and cleaned.
New fuel cells with foam and fuel pumps (5) have been installed.
New AFFF fire bottle and plumbing installed.
The engine; 962 #125, type 962/70 (I believe this to be the 1986 Le Mans motor) has been completely redone by Jerry Woods. New Carillo connecting rods, all main + rod bearings ,factory piston rings etc. The Motronic 1.2 box has been tested. All associated plumbing (fittings, injectors, filters etc.) and engine wiring tested and replaced as needed. (Cap, rotor, coil etc). The motor has only dyno and Monterey Historics time. Approximately 6 hours. This is an Air/ Air single turbo, single plug, flat fan motor very similar to the 935/77 motors. A fresh turbo has been installed + waste gates overhauled.
The Transmission; 956/962 #109 has been completely overhauled. Any syncros, sliders, bearings etc were replaced as needed. The titanium spool has been replaced with a factory limited slip unit. New axles and CV joints have been installed. The transmission cases and bell housing have been restored to factory finish. New Sachs clutch, pressure plate and release bearing have been installed. These are correct period parts, not newly manufactured replacement parts. This is significant due to frequent pressure plate failures in parts made circa 2005.
The body panels are in 1987 Silverstone paint. We chose not to paint the body panels to preserve the patina. Currently the rear “short tail” deck lid is installed. The long “Le Mans” tail is included with the spares package.
The spares package includes;
New uprights for all corners,
Le Mans long tail and additional pair of side pods.
Additional sets of BBS wheels. I need to verify exact number. I believe 3 complete sets (12) plus wheels on car.
RACING HISTORY OF THIS CAR
The car was constructed at the March facility in England in late 1984 for John Kalagian’s 1985 IMSA season. In 1985 John Kalagian participated in the following events with March 85G # 06;
Road Atlanta – DNF
Riverside - DNF
Laguna Seca – 6th OA
Charlotte – DNF
Mid – Ohio – 8th OA
Watkins Glen – 7th OA
Portland – 7th OA
Sears Point -12th OA
Road America – 5th OA
Watkins Glen – DNS
Columbus - DNS
Daytona Finale – 7th OA
March 85G #06 was then sold to Richard Cleare of the UK, racing with him in the 1986 + 1987 seasons at the following events;
Silverstone – 1986 DNF + 1987 9th OA
Le Mans - 1986 1st IMSA class + 14th OA
Brands Hatch – 1986 DNF
SPA – 1986 DNF
Nurburgring 1000K 1986 – DNF
March 85G #06 is one of four constructed by March with Porsche power. The sister car, 85G #05, also Porsche powered, was destroyed. March 83G #4, Porsche powered, won the 1984 Daytona 24 hour and the 1984 IMSA Championship with Al Holbert. March 84G #3
