Mecum Auctions Offers Lotus Type 56 Turbine Indy Racecar At Monterey

Company press release.

Mecum Auctions unveiled an iconic piece of Indy 500 history owned by racing legend 'The King' Richard Petty during their auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The STP-sponsored Lotus Type 56/3 Turbine Indy racecar, driven by Graham Hill at the 1968 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race was revealed in a glass case and will remain on display all week before heading to auction during Mecum at Monterey, California in August.

For the 1968 Indy 500, STP boss Andy Granatelli commissioned Colin Chapman and Team Lotus to build four cars utilizing Pratt & Whitney turbine engines and Ferguson four-wheel drive systems. Chapman and his team developed the Lotus 56, which was the most technologically advanced racecar of its era. The popularity and attention that the Lotus Turbine cars received during the Indy 500 helped to turn STP into a household name, and solidified the synergy between racing and brand marketing. After the 1968 racing season concluded, chassis 56/3 made its way to First Brands (STP) corporate headquarters where it remained in their lobby until 1996, and was then acquired by Richard Petty, who owns the car to this day.

This will be the first time an original, authentic Lotus Type 56 has been offered for sale at public auction. The 1968 Lotus Type 56/3 Turbine Indy racecar driven by Graham Hill and owned by Richard Petty will cross the auction block Friday, August 17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course. For complete auction information visit Mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.

Schedule:

Mecum at Monterey, The Daytime Auction

August 16-18, 2012

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

On Del Monte Golf Course

One Old Golf Course Road

Monterey, Calif. 93940

Gates open daily at 8:00 a.m. Thursday thru Saturday

Auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. daily

Live on Velocity 12:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday

(All Times Pacific)

Photo Credit: David Newhardt Courtesy of Mecum Auctions