1964 Eisert Harrison Special Indy Racer

The Eisert Harrison Special Indy Car was built by two individuals during a time when regular guys could dream, build, and compete against the world's best. It was a time when racing cars were still uncomplicated and did not rely on exotic engines, computers, or downforce.

In 1964, Frank Harrison commissioned Jerry Eisert to build a new Indy car based on the Formula One Lotus 18 and Lotus 24 chassis design. Its mid-engine placement made it one of the earliest examples to attempt to compete at the Indianapolis 500.

In 1965, the car was raced by Canadian Billy Foster after Skip Hudson failed his rookie test in the car. The next driver was Al Unser who was also not fast enough to qualify the new car. Undeterred, Foster later finished 11th at the Phoenix 150 on March 28th. It had one of its best outings on April 25th at the Trenton 100 where it finished 7th. Johnny Rutherford then ran the car at the Milwaukee 100 on June 6th, 1965, finishing 15th.

In 1966, the car returned to the Indy 500 as the #69 Arciero Brothers car. The car was driven by Ronnie Bucknum but again failed to qualify.

In 1968, the car returned to Indy as the #46 'Lotus Chevrolet Special' with Otto Becker performing the driving duties.

After many years resting in retirement, the car was restored to its 1966 'Arciero Brothers' Indy 500 livery. The car has its original chassis, body, and Corvette small block race engine that was de-stroked to 302 cubic inches. The engine, with its correct Enderle Fuel Injection system, now produces 485 horsepower. It has a Joe Hunt Magneto, a dry sump oiling system, and the original Mickey Thompson valve covers. The engine is backed by the original Colotti Type 37 4-speed gearbox. At all four corners are disc brakes with Girling BR racing calipers and vented rotors.

The car is currently fitted with an onboard starter and battery.

The car has raced in the Vintage Indy Car event during the 2009 Indy 500, the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2009, the HAWK with Brian Redman at Road America in 2012, and shown at the invitational 'Stars of Indy' at the 2013 Barrington Concours.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016