Rondeau question

[Grand_Fromage]

Jean Rondeau switched his cars from Ford Cosworth to Chevrolet V8 in 1982. Anyone know why?

GF

[amazing 1]

Iwould think it would have to be a power vs.cost issue.You could build a nascar style v8 much cheaper with equal power and reliability.Chevy replacemant parts would be a dime for a dozen,when compared to dohc Cosworth Ford.

ps. I hate Chevy !

Anymonkey Willdeau could even build a Chevy v8 !!

[garystout]

I agree except i think the reliability problems and new fuel consumption rules played a great part in the switch

[Grand_Fromage]

The decision was (I think) something to do with weight handicap for IMSA regs but I'm not sure exactly.

[Nordic]

I don't recall the works Rondeau's ever using anything other than a Ford Cosworth DFL at Le Mans or in Europe.

The Rondeau/Chevy cars were used in the US by Golden Eagle racing.

In 82 the Rondeau GTP cost  $123,000.00 plus engine, the cost of a Chevy engine was $23000.00, much less than a DFL and I would expect, more serviceable in the states.

[Andy Zarse]

No idea of the answer, but Rondeau was a great maverick in the sport. Probably the most bloody-minded person ever to have bothered doing his own car. A shame he died tragically.

[amazing 1]

Being from the states not real fimiliar with the Rondeau.Do we have any pics?

[Steve Pyro]

Being from the states not real fimiliar with the Rondeau.Do we have any pics?

Randy, here's a Rondeau M379 from LM 1980 (with Cosworth DFV engine)

[Fax]

The Golden Eagle car was the only one I can remember seeing over here, Chevy powered I think.  Saw it at the 1982 Mid-Ohio 6 Hours.  Nothing especially impressive about it and it didn't run all that well. The Porsche 935's, Lola's and March's were a lot quicker.
Fax

[BigH]

Randy,
This is one of two from 81.
It doesn't half remind me of the two ParcelForce C2's that were in the 87 race, maybe one of our experts can tell us if there is any common DNA. In the background you can see the Zarse's family encampment with the pink light commercial vehicle.
Not that it's common to swap DNA in the pits.
H

[BigH]

and here is...

[Matt Harper]

http://www.motorsport.com/photos/lemans/1983/24h/thumbs/lemans-1983-24h-jl-0106.jpg

M482 Boat-tail - The Batmobile MUST have taken this for inspiration.
Very avant-gard - very slow.....

[Matt Harper]

Randy,
This is one of two from 81.
It doesn't half remind me of the two ParcelForce C2's that were in the 87 race, maybe one of our experts can tell us if there is any common DNA. In the background you can see the Zarse's family encampment with the pink light commercial vehicle.
Not that it's common to swap DNA in the pits.
H

How's it going Harry...
The C2 Ecosse cars of 87 are kin to the Aston Martin Nimrod in lineage. I believe that Ray Mallock had a lot of input into both cars (from a design and driver perspective) and the results showed in the way they looked .
Cue Steve Brown........

[BigH]

Wotcher Matt,
Freezing and sober mate, apart from that Top-O!
And.........a teeeeeensie weensie bit jealous of you lot going to Sebring. Right now, I'd give away my a***hole and sh*t through my winkle for a bit of that action.
Here's a pic of one of the ParcelForce cars I took from the old grandstand in '87. I think Mallock got a pretty good result in the other one.
H

[Andy Zarse]

Gents, I'm sorry I had nothing to do with the Pink Van incident, nor was did I ever see the Rondeau in action. I was taking my O levels in June 1980. Back then, my thing was all birds, long hair, lager, motorbikes and ten Players in my pocket. That was the year I started reading Superbike magazine, well it was more interesting than The Chartists, although it could explain the bitterly disappointing exam results. I think I was partly inspired to go to Le Mans having read a fantastic article by the late John Cutts on what a fab and mad weekend he had going down to the Bol D'Or. I remember swearing at the time I'd go to the Bol one day and I've not been yet, so it's still on my hit list (ruptured perineum allowing).

PS Have a great Sebring Matt, sorry I can't be with you; there's always next year. Please pass on my regards to your brother and Fax too.