Rondeau M379 '82 Primagaz team

Powered by Ford Cosworth DFV V8/90° 4v DOHC 2993 cc N/A

Rondeau M379 C #003

Used as a stressed member was the Formula 1 sourced Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which in the back of the Inalteras had proven remarkably reliable. In endurance trim, it now produced in excess of 450 bhp. The suspension was also wholly conventional with double wishbones at the front and a rear end consisting of parallel links and twin trailing arms. A Hewland five-speed gearbox and Lockheed disc brakes completed the mechanical package. The car was clothed in a fibreglass body designed with help from French company 'Bureau de Design Ovale'. Created exclusively for Le Mans, it was very slippery and featured no rear wing, just two fins for high speed stability. Compared to the Inaltera, the biggest changes were a longer tail and partly covered rear wheels.

This was the second of two new chassis built for the 1979 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At its debut, it was driven to 10th overall and second in class by Henri Pescarolo and Jean-Pierre Beltoise. Updated to M379B specification, chassis 003 was used to score the outright win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Jean Rondeau and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud in 1981. In 'C' trim with full-width wing, it finished third a year later. At its final Le Mans outing, it was one of only two Rondeaus to cross the line. Restored to its Le Mans winning form, chassis M379-003 is seen here at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

20.6.1982 - LM
Primagaz (F)
Driven by: Pierre Yver (F)/Bruno Sotty (F)/Lucien Guitteny (F)
Result: 10th
Grid: 35th (3:52.690)

https://www.racingsportscars.com/photo/1982/Le_Mans-1982-06-20-025a.jpg