Sthemo Group C Junior

STHEMO – A French Group C Junior Prototype

Sthemo was founded in September 1982 by Hubert Striebig, Jacques Heuclin, and Rudi Moessinger.
The name STHEMO was formed from the initials of its founders: STriebig – HEuclin – MOessinger.

The objective was ambitious but clear: to design and build a prototype capable of competing in the Group C Junior category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983.

Origins and Technical Concept (1983)

Engineer Rudi Moessinger, formerly involved with TOJ, based the Sthemo on a TOJ SC206 chassis.
Power came from a BMW M12/7 four?cylinder engine, prepared by Weigel, enlarged to approximately 2.2 litres.

The car was completed in time for Le Mans 1983 and weighed approximately 705 kg, just above the 700 kg minimum for Group C Junior.

Le Mans 1983

Drivers: Hubert Striebig, Jacques Heuclin, Noël Del Bello Qualifying: 41st overall Result: Retirement due to engine failure during the race

The team also entered the 1000 km of Imola and 1000 km of Mugello in 1983, but both events ended in DNF.

Evolution to SMC2 and BMW M1 Power (1984)

For the 1984 season, the team extensively reworked the car to continue competing in the World Endurance Championship.

Key changes included:

Replacement of the four?cylinder engine with a BMW M88 straight?six, derived from the BMW M1 Output increased to approximately 460 bhp at 8,500 rpm A new, more aerodynamic body designed by Reuchet of Vesoul, France

This updated car became known as Sthemo SMC2.

Competition Record in 1984

The SMC2 returned to Le Mans in 1984, but once again the race ended in retirement—this time due to gearbox failure.

Other appearances included:

1000 km Nürburgring: Not classified Interserie Most: 11th place (Hubert Striebig) 1000 km Spa: Accident 1000 km Mugello: DNF

Despite improved performance, reliability remained elusive.

Later History and Ownership

After its short international career, the SMC2 passed through several owners.

Notable periods include:

From 1985: Owned and raced by Dany Tramason in French hill?climb events 1990–1992: Ownership by Gérard Ferré Subsequently exported to Italy 

Restoration and Historic Racing

After 2005, the Sthemo SMC2 was fully restored by Chevron, under the guidance of Vin Malkie and Helen Ashford.
The car was maintained by Atlantic Racing, with engine preparation by Eric Wasserman (France).

Today, the Sthemo SMC2 appears at historic endurance racing events, preserving the legacy of one of the rarest Group C Junior prototypes of the early 1980s.