Gurney Eagle Indy 500 Car Sets the Pace at Russo and Steele Monterey '14!
Company press release.
Gurney Eagle Indianapolis '500' Car Driven by Speedway Legend Roger McCluskey to Set the Pace at Russo and Steele's Monterey '14 Auction
Scottsdale, Arizona (June 6, 2014) – In keeping with our tradition of attracting some of the finest and most historic competition cars to the Monterey Peninsula each year, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions announces the offering of the first Indianapolis Eagle (Chassis 40-1) built in 1968 by Dan Gurney's All American Racers (AAR) for long-running team owner Lindsey Hopkins. Race-numbered '8' and driven by legendary driver Roger McCluskey at the 1968 Indianapolis '500' race, this Offy-powered Eagle qualified strongly in 7th and ran as high as 2nd before McCluskey was forced to retire from the race. Bobby Unser eventually won in a sister car, proving the dominant nature of Gurney's Indy Eagles.
In addition to its use at Indianapolis, this Eagle/Offy is historic for its associations and as an early product of Dan Gurney's All-American Racers, the first constructor in the United States to design and build winning Formula One, Indianapolis '500,' and sports cars. Its driver in period, the late Roger McCluskey, remains legendary for his sheer versatility as well as his many victories and achievements prior to becoming President and CEO of USAC. Lindsey Hopkins, once Coca-Cola's second-largest shareholder, remains one of America's greatest sportsmen. In addition to often fielding two Indianapolis '500' entries annually, he was a founding co-owner of the NFL's New Orleans Saints franchise with John W. Mecom, Jr.
This car has been restored to original specification and livery by Walter Goodwin of RaceCar Restorations and it is eligible for numerous vintage-racing events. In addition to participating in vintage races at venues including the Michigan and Fontana 2-mile oval tracks and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this Eagle/Offy was driven by none other than 1986 Indianapolis '500' champion and racing-team owner Bobby Rahal at the 1998 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Powered by a freshly rebuilt 2.65-liter (168 cubic inch) turbocharged Offenhauser engine developing 750 horsepower at a howling 8,500 RPMs, the Eagle is further equipped with a period-correct Hewland LG 500 MK I 4-speed transaxle.
Handsomely restored, proven at top vintage events, and steeped in racing history, this incredibly engaging 'pre-wing' Eagle/Offy will provide an outstanding addition to any collection of the finest purpose-built racing cars. As such, it will continue to exemplify American racing as an essential early part of the Gurney/AAR lineage. For further supporting documents, high-resolution images, or more information on the offering of the 1968 All American Racers/Roger McCluskey 'Number 8' Eagle/Offy at Monterey '14, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
One of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions continues to set records and attract discerning clients worldwide. In addition to our reputation for offering stellar collector automobiles, our unique auction experience is simply unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by June at Newport Beach, August at Monterey, and September's Las Vegas auction. For additional information, please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.
Gurney Eagle Indianapolis '500' Car Driven by Speedway Legend Roger McCluskey to Set the Pace at Russo and Steele's Monterey '14 Auction
Scottsdale, Arizona (June 6, 2014) – In keeping with our tradition of attracting some of the finest and most historic competition cars to the Monterey Peninsula each year, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions announces the offering of the first Indianapolis Eagle (Chassis 40-1) built in 1968 by Dan Gurney's All American Racers (AAR) for long-running team owner Lindsey Hopkins. Race-numbered '8' and driven by legendary driver Roger McCluskey at the 1968 Indianapolis '500' race, this Offy-powered Eagle qualified strongly in 7th and ran as high as 2nd before McCluskey was forced to retire from the race. Bobby Unser eventually won in a sister car, proving the dominant nature of Gurney's Indy Eagles.
In addition to its use at Indianapolis, this Eagle/Offy is historic for its associations and as an early product of Dan Gurney's All-American Racers, the first constructor in the United States to design and build winning Formula One, Indianapolis '500,' and sports cars. Its driver in period, the late Roger McCluskey, remains legendary for his sheer versatility as well as his many victories and achievements prior to becoming President and CEO of USAC. Lindsey Hopkins, once Coca-Cola's second-largest shareholder, remains one of America's greatest sportsmen. In addition to often fielding two Indianapolis '500' entries annually, he was a founding co-owner of the NFL's New Orleans Saints franchise with John W. Mecom, Jr.
This car has been restored to original specification and livery by Walter Goodwin of RaceCar Restorations and it is eligible for numerous vintage-racing events. In addition to participating in vintage races at venues including the Michigan and Fontana 2-mile oval tracks and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this Eagle/Offy was driven by none other than 1986 Indianapolis '500' champion and racing-team owner Bobby Rahal at the 1998 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Powered by a freshly rebuilt 2.65-liter (168 cubic inch) turbocharged Offenhauser engine developing 750 horsepower at a howling 8,500 RPMs, the Eagle is further equipped with a period-correct Hewland LG 500 MK I 4-speed transaxle.
Handsomely restored, proven at top vintage events, and steeped in racing history, this incredibly engaging 'pre-wing' Eagle/Offy will provide an outstanding addition to any collection of the finest purpose-built racing cars. As such, it will continue to exemplify American racing as an essential early part of the Gurney/AAR lineage. For further supporting documents, high-resolution images, or more information on the offering of the 1968 All American Racers/Roger McCluskey 'Number 8' Eagle/Offy at Monterey '14, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
One of the nation's premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions continues to set records and attract discerning clients worldwide. In addition to our reputation for offering stellar collector automobiles, our unique auction experience is simply unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by June at Newport Beach, August at Monterey, and September's Las Vegas auction. For additional information, please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.
