A Forgotten Era Of Formula 1 Revived At Caramulo
After months of careful restoration, one of Formula 1’s quietly significant cars from the early 1970s has found a new home. José Carlos Pace’s 1972 March 711 has officially arrived at the Caramulo Museum, where it now forms part of the permanent Fittipaldi Collection.
The story of this car is inseparable from that of a young and resourceful Frank Williams. Long before his name became synonymous with championship-winning Formula 1 teams, Williams was building his operation from the ground up, buying, selling, and even repairing racing cars himself. By the early 1970s, his small but determined outfit was competing in Formula 1 under the name Frank Williams Racing Cars.
Chassis #711/3 was acquired for the 1971 season and driven by Henri Pescarolo, though limited funding meant results were hard to come by. A year later, the team became Team Williams Motul, and with new sponsorship, a newer March 721 was purchased. That opened the door for a young Brazilian rookie, José Carlos Pace, to take over the older 711 for his first full Formula 1 campaign.
Despite no longer being the latest model, the March 711 remained a competitive platform. Designed by Robin Herd and Geoff Ferris, the car made exceptional use of the legendary Ford DFV engine, combining a lightweight monocoque chassis with advanced aerodynamics inspired by the Lotus 72. Its most distinctive feature was the high-mounted front wing designed by Frank Costin — an innovative solution that delivered speed in clean air, even if it proved tricky in close racing.
Pace’s highlight with the car came with a fifth-place finish, earning his first World Championship points. While his early F1 career was uneven, he would later achieve lasting fame with his emotional home victory at Interlagos in 1975. That race also cemented his bond with Emerson Fittipaldi, a friendship that ultimately explains why this March holds such importance today.
“This March has enormous sentimental value for me,” Fittipaldi recalls. “José Carlos lent me the first kart I ever raced, and I was even his mechanic. After winning the world title in 1972, I contacted Frank Williams to buy his car. My brother Wilson and I acquired it, and it has been part of our collection ever since.”
Following a meticulous restoration carried out with the support of AMSport, CINFU, and VANTITEC, the March 711 now stands as both a technical artifact and a deeply personal symbol of Brazilian motorsport history.
The Fittipaldi Collection can be visited year-round at the Caramulo Museum, offering enthusiasts a rare chance to see this remarkable chapter of Formula 1 up close.
Photo Credits: Museu do Caramulo
