The world of drifting is about to get a whole lot more exciting as 'Mad Mike' Whiddett, a drifting legend, is set to tackle his most ambitious project yet: transforming a Leyton House March 87P into a drift car. This isn't just any car; it's a historic Formula 1 vehicle that never made it to the starting line due to an engine failure in its debut season. Whiddett's previous creations, like the iconic 'MADMAC' and the Mazda 787B-inspired '787D', have already left their mark on the drifting community. But this new challenge is a different beast altogether.
A Historic Challenge
The Leyton House March 87P, introduced in 1987, was a hybrid of a modified Formula 3000 chassis and a Ford DFZ Cosworth V8 engine. It was a bold move for the team, and its unique design and performance issues led to its early retirement from the Brazilian Grand Prix. Whiddett's goal is to take this forgotten gem and turn it into a drift car, a task that he admits is his biggest challenge yet.
The 'Mad' Factor
Whiddett's reputation for creating 'MAD' cars is well-deserved. His previous projects, like the rotary-powered 650S GT3, have become iconic in the drifting world. But this new endeavor is a different level of challenge. "No one is even going to remember MADMAC after this," he says, hinting at the sheer magnitude of this project. "That’s being a bit rude to MADMAC. It’s pretty special, but this is going to be pretty wild." The question on everyone's mind is: can he pull it off?
The Process and the Nerves
The build process is documented in a video series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Whiddett and his team tackle this monumental task. The excitement and nerves are palpable as they embark on a journey that could define their legacy in the drifting world. The 87P's unique history and the challenges of adapting it for drifting make this project a fascinating one to follow.
A Legacy in the Making
As Whiddett takes on this historic car, he's not just creating a drift car; he's writing a new chapter in the history of drifting. The Leyton House March 87P, despite its short-lived F1 career, has the potential to become a legend in the drifting community. The question remains: will Whiddett's 'MAD' touch transform this forgotten F1 car into a drifting icon?
In my opinion, this project is a testament to Whiddett's creativity and passion. It's a bold move that could redefine what's possible in drifting. The world is watching, and the anticipation is building. Will the 87P become the next 'MAD' masterpiece?
