05 -2016 A forty-year passion for Marcadier. More than forty years ago, in 1973, Jean Paul Delaizir bought a Barzoi kit from Andre Marcadier, for whom he still retains the greatest admiration.
This was one of the new kits, with a central-backbone chassis and a rear-mounted engine, not dissimilar to the revered Alpine Berlinette.
Previous to this, the Barzoi had a thin-section tubular chassis, with a centrally-mounted engine and, as an option, single-seater suspension: a magnificent combination. But these earlier Barzois were complicated to build, and suffered from inadequate ground-clearance.
It has taken him six years to complete, giving his blue, Gordini-engined Barzoi a new lease of life. The meticulous approach of this dental technician can be seen in the fit of the body panels, an exacting task on Marcadier kit cars. Interestingly enough, this car is fitted with the rare, original, ultra-light 'conical' Marcadier wheels, the concept was designed by Colin Chapman for the Lotus 72.
It wasn't long before these later Barzoi K's, lighter than Berlinettes, were being used in competition, with notable results.
Jean Paul was amongst them and, after 25 years campaigning his Barzoi, and four times being champion of Maine-Bretagne, he decided to hang up his helmet and begin a complete restoration of the car which would henceforth be used on the road.
Jean Paul's enthusiasm has also seen him undertake a similar project with another Renault-engined sports car from the 1970's: this time a superb Jidé.
He is engaged in various related sporting activities and, later this year, he can be spotted at the Ramparts d'Angouleme circuit meeting in his scrutineering capacity.
