Description
This is one of two identical Marches used by Michael Andretti during the 1987 CART season when he drove for the Kraco team from Los Angeles. He won four races that year and finished second in the championship. Records have been lost but we believe this is the car in which he won Miami and Nazareth, his home track. The year after its only season of competition, Kraco changed their paint scheme just slightly and repainted the car. The car was used as a spare in the '88 season. It is still complete in every way except for the lack of a small battery which powers instrument panel indicator lights. We purchased this car directly from Kraco where it was the centerpiece display of their trophy room. Of all their cars, this is the one in which they felt the most pride. After we received the car, we went through it to check condition. Any car, after sitting unused for so long, will need to have the hydraulic systems rebuilt. We did this and the brake and clutch systems are now ready to go. We also pulled the undertray to examine it for scrapes and cracks and found none. We examined the underside of the engine while it was off and it is clean and error free. We then opened the fuel cell to check for debris. It was clean as was the fuel pump and everything in the fuel system. We even pulled the cam covers to ensure there were no problems lurking in the top of the Cosworth DFX. The car is perfect. The one thing we feel which should be done before returning the car to the track, though, is to freshen the engine. Like hydraulics, high RPM engines do not like to sit for long periods of time without being turned over. Piston rings and valve springs tend to go away. For that reason, we feel it would be best to have that work done before racing the car and have spoken to VDS Engines in Indianapolis about doing it. They have estimated about $20,000 for the job. You will find other similar Indy cars available for sale. We have found an 86C March in Kraco colors (less engine) which was used prior to Andretti's "magic season". We also have found a couple which were never Kraco cars but were painted in their famous color scheme. This car is the real thing. It comes with documentation from Kraco verifying its heritage. This is a very historic Indy car that almost everyone knows. I cannot count the times I have heard someone say something like, "I had a Hot Wheels model of it when I was a kid!". Now that the recession is coming to an end, we feel the value Indy cars with pedigrees like this one will begin to rise. Whether you want to put it on the track in the US or Euro BOSS series or just take pride in adding it to a collection, you will not find a better one anywhere in the world. Please take a moment to examine the photos below. Feel free to contact us for more information and detailed photos. We can arrange shipping internationally. If this is not the car you want, we have others available as well.
History
Raced by Michael Andretti for Kraco of Los Angeles in 1987. He won four races that year in two identical cars. We believe this to be the chassis used for the Miami and Nazareth wins. Used in 1988 as a spare. On display in Kraco's trophy room from 1989 to 2008.
Recent Competition History
Wins at Miami and Nazareth. Second in 1987 CART Championship.
Performance Data
Class: CART
Weight: 1550 lbs
Engine
Engine Builder: Cosworth
Manufacturer: Cosworth
Type: DFX
Displacement: 2.65 liters
Horsepower: 800 + or -
Induction: Turbocharged
Heads: Cosworth
Block: Cosworth
Main Caps: Cosworth
Crankshaft: Cosworth
Connecting Rods: Cosworth
Pistons: Cosworth
Camshaft: Cosworth
Valves: Cosworth
Valve Train: 4 overhead cams
Clutch: Four disc
Pressure Plate: 5 1/2 inch
Flywheel: Steel
Exhaust: Stainless headers
Total Time: Unknown
Races: 1987 season
Fuel System
Fuel Cell
Manufacturer: Premeir
Capacity: 35 gallons
Fuel Pump: Mechanical
Fuel Type: Methanol
Oil/Water System
Radiator: Brass
Water Rad Location: Left side pod
Water Pump: Cosworth
Oil Cooler: Aluminum
Oil Cooler Location: Right side pod
Electrical System
Ignition: Lucas/Cosworth
Alternator: not used
Battery: not fitted
Data Logger: not used
Computer: not used
Transmission
Manfacturer: March/Hewland
Type: Dog engagement
Gears: 5 speed
March case uses Hewland DGB internals
Rear End
Manufacturer: Hewland
Type: Spool
Case: March
Differential: none
Axles: March
Body
Construction: Carbon fiber
Color: Yellow/Blue
Condition: Perfect
Chassis
Type: Aluminum monocoque/carbon fiber/kevlar
Builder: March
Finish: painted
Condition: Perfect
Front Suspension: High alloy steel, nickel plated and polished
Rear Suspension: High alloy steel, nickel plated and polished
