1974 Parnelli VPJ4 Monoposto

In 1974 the Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Team was competing in the USAC Indy cars, SCCA Formula 500, USAC Silver Crown dirt cars, SCORE off-road, and NHRA funny cars. The only thing missing was FIA Formula One, which they entered at the Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport in October 1974. The 'Parnelli VPJ-4' was an incredibly tidy and tiny racecar designed y Maurice Phillippe. Phillippe's earlier work included the Lotus 72 and the VPJ-4 could be thought of as an updated 72. With Mario Andretti driving, the car was immediately fast although often unreliable. Early in 1975, Firestone pulled out of F1 and the switch to Goodyear tires did not suit the Parnelli chassis. New designer/engineer, John Barnard re-worked the cars during 1975 and they displayed considerable speed but the unreliability remained. Early in 1976, the Formula One VPJ team was disbanded and the team set its focus on Indy cars once again.