Cars Simplified: Everything Automotive Explained

SARD

SARD, which is an acronym for Sigma Automotive Racing Development, designs advanced/high performance automotive parts. It has notably worked with Toyota, but not exclusively. It has also produced a single car of its own, the Sard MC8, which was raced in a number of GT races and had a one-off road-going version.

You may have seen the SARD logo on Japan Super GT racing cars from Toyota and Lexus. In 1989 Toyota Team SARD was formed, which has had moderate success in the Japan Super GT series and the 24 hours of Le Mans.

 The road-going SARD MC8

SARD still races today, though they haven't attempted to produce their own car since their first attempt in the 1990s.

Back in the 1970s when SARD was just Sigma, they raced this Mazda MC73, which was powered by a Wankel engine, which was the first Japanese team and vehicle to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Mazda Sigma MC73