March 81S

The March 81S was a sports prototype racing car built by March Engineering in 1981. It was designed to compete in the World Sportscar Championship and other endurance racing series, primarily in the Group 6 category, later Group C.

The 81S was an evolution of previous March sports car designs, featuring an aluminum monocoque chassis and utilizing ground effect aerodynamics to generate downforce. Various engine options were available to customers, including Cosworth DFL V8s and Chevrolet V8s.

The car saw moderate success in the hands of privateer teams, achieving some podium finishes in both World Championship and IMSA GTP races. However, it was not a dominant force compared to works-supported entries from manufacturers like Porsche and Lancia.

The March 81S played a role in the transition from Group 6 to the Group C regulations, serving as a stepping stone for teams looking to compete in the new era of sports car racing. Despite its limited successes, the 81S contributed to the rich history of March Engineering in motorsport.