Niki Lauda’s Formula 1 debut ride: March 711 race car

Many of those in attendance at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix might not have realized it at the time, but the young driver from Vienna making his Formula 1 debut that weekend would go on to become one of the sport’s biggest legends–and it all started with this March 711.

That young driver? None other than Niki Lauda, who would go on to secure three F1 driver’s championship titles as well as leave a lasting impact on the sport.

This March, chassis No. 711-2, was originally piloted by Ronnie Peterson from the start of the 1971 season until Peterson switched to a newer chassis. 711-2 was then put into duty as a spare until Niki drove it.

The 711 was later sold in 1973 to a private Swiss collector, who would have the car restored in 1996. In 1999, the March would see success in the European F1 classic series.