Solved: GTE 189 - 1979 March-Nissan Formula Pacific

[Mogul]

According to the info I have, March built four ground effect Atlantics at the start of 1979 designated 79A. One went to Ian Scheckter; one went to Jeff Wood [spare at Long Beach]; one went to Shierson [spare for Holmes at Long Beach and Westwood]. In reality its a modified 792. Normally it should be equiped with Cosworth BDD 1600 Big Valve engine. 

[Mogul]

And?

[gte4289]

And?

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure which part of that was a question. You stated there were four 79A chassis and then listed where three of them went. Are you asking if this was the fourth 79A chassis? Or are you re-asking the question of whether this car was powered by a  Cosworth engine?

[Edit] I guess I'll just go ahead and answer both of these questions.

1. I cannot say for certain how many 79A chassis were built. According to my source, this car was built on a 79A chassis and was never intended for Formula Atlantic. Of course, I am always willing to accept that a source is wrong. If my source is wrong in this instance, then I believe the only other possibility would be that it was built on a 79B chassis. At this point, I am only looking for someone to identify the engine in order to solve the puzzle, so there's no penalty if you disagree with my source on the chassis type.

2. I am 100% certain about the engine and it was not Cosworth.

[Mogul]

As the chassis has been identified, the first part of my message was a statement, and the question is: engine: Cosworth BDD 1600 Big Valve engine?

[gte4289]

As the chassis has been identified, the first part of my message was a statement, and the question is: engine: Cosworth BDD 1600 Big Valve engine?

As stated earlier, not Cosworth.

[Mogul]

Cosworth is not in you list, and Coswoth is not Equal to Ford.
Is it with a Triumph engine?

[gte4289]

Cosworth is not in you list, and Coswoth is not Equal to Ford.
Is it with a Triumph engine?

Not Cosworth per reply #38, but you're right it was omitted from the list. Not Triumph.

[Mogul]

Honda engined?

[gte4289]

Honda engined?

No, but getting closer.

[Mogul]

Muggen engine?

[gte4289]

Muggen engine?

No

[Maits]

Nissan?

[Mogul]

Is it fitted with the Datsun DOHC LZ14?

[gte4289]

Nissan?

Is it fitted with the Datsun DOHC LZ14?

Maits got to Nissan first, with Mogul identifying the specific engine type soon after, so a point to each of you!

Chassis: 1979 March 79A
Engine: Nissan LZ14-4V DOHC
Series: Formula Pacific
Team: Tomei Jidoshi
Venue and Date: 23rd Tokyo Motor Show (29 October 1979)

According to my source, Team Tomei Jidoshi had three Formula Pacific cars at this time:

• #25 March 79B (Nissan LZ-14) of Takao Wada
• #24 Nova 53P (Nissan LZ-14) of Kenji Takahashi
• #23 March 79A (Nissan LZ-14) test car (the puzzle car)

This show (29 October) took place during the short break between Mine (21 October) and Suzuka (3 November), so it makes sense that the test car would have been displayed as opposed to one of the active team cars.

Again, I am always willing to accept that a source is wrong, and if my source is wrong regarding the chassis type, then I believe the only other possibility is that #23 was built on a 79B chassis. If anyone has proof otherwise, please share!