1963 Watson Indy Roadster Roadster

This Indianapolis Roadster is one of eight built by A.J. Watson for the 1963 season. Watson made a total of 23 race cars during his career and this is number 21. It was entered for the 500 by Ebb Rose (whose mechanic was the late Herb Porter) in 1963, but it didn't make the cut. Better qualifying times for 1964 meant the car was driven by Johnny Rutherford in its first Indy 500. Bad luck saw the car bumped once again in 1965 but it returned for a last appearance in 1966 with a new Turbo Offenhauser engine. This was not only its last time at the Brickyard but also the last time an old-fashioned Roadster would appear; 1966 was the year of the rear engine revolution. Throughout its Indy career, it was owned and prepared by Racing Associates. After some modified USAC racing it was acquired by its present owner in 2008 and returned to its debut livery.

Of particular interest, this car's current restoration was completed in 2009 by the car's original builder, A.J. Watson, in his Indianapolis shop. The car is restored exactly to its debut livery in 1963 when it ran the Speedway for the very first lap.