1976 March 761B

The March 761B 1976 was a single-seater racing car designed and built by March Engineering for use in the 1976 Formula One season. It was an upgrade to the previous model, the March 761, with modifications made to improve its aerodynamic performance and reliability.

The 761B was powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine with a capacity of 2993cc, producing around 500 horsepower at 11,200 RPM. This engine was mated to a Hewland FG400 5-speed manual transmission, providing smooth and precise shifting for the driver.

The 761B had a monocoque chassis made from aluminum honeycomb and reinforced with carbon fiber, making it both strong and lightweight. The suspension system had double wishbones with twin spring and damper units, and the car featured adjustable anti-roll bars on both the front and rear.

The aerodynamic modifications on the 761B included a redesigned nosecone, which was elongated and lowered to improve airflow, and a smaller and more streamlined cockpit with narrower sidepods to reduce drag. The rear wing was also altered to provide better downforce, and the diffuser was enlarged to better manage airflow under the car.

Other notable features on the 761B included BBS wheels with Goodyear tires, AP Racing brakes with ventilated discs, and a fuel cell with a capacity of 210 liters. The car also had a total length of 4290 mm, a width of 1770 mm, and a height of 1005 mm, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm.

In the 1976 season, the March 761B was driven by a number of notable drivers, including Ronnie Peterson, Vittorio Brambilla, and Arturo Merzario. Despite having a solid car with competitive pace, the team struggled to finish races due to mechanical issues and accidents.

Overall, the March 761B 1976 was a technically advanced and aerodynamically efficient machine that was unfortunately hampered by reliability problems. However, it remains an important piece of Formula One history and a testament to the engineering and design talent of the March Engineering team.