1960 Watson Indy Roadster Roadster

A.J. Watson built the first true Watson Indianapolis Roadster in 1956. Recognizing that saving weight would translate into higher speeds, he departed from the usual Kurtis-derived design, narrowing the chassis slightly and removing any steel or bracing that he considered unnecessary. Rather than placing the Offy powerplant 36 degrees to the right, he mounted it upright, which allowed for increased left-side weight bias and easier maintenance. Lightweight 4130 chromoly tubing was used and the driveline parts were made of magnesium, with sheet magnesium used for body panels. At 1,640 pounds, the finished car was 220 pounds less than the winning Kurtis of the previous year.

Entered by Ken Rich and Paul Lacy, Jim Rathmann won the 1960 Indy '500' in this Watson Roadster based 'Special' in one of the most spectacular battles for the lead in '500' history. He qualified at a new track record of 146.4 mph, which was soon broken by Eddie Sachs, and started the race from the middle of the first row.

Although other drivers led early, it was Rathmann and 1959 winner Rodger Ward who dueled for the lead from lap 96 to the end. Rathmann, who already had three 2nd place finishes, dueled for the lead with Ward 14 times during the last 105 laps, the final pass coming on lap 197 when Rathmann recorded the fastest lap of the race at 146.1 mph, then winning by 12.7 seconds.

Rathmann continued to race the Ken Paul Special for the following two years in Simoniz Special livery. It did not qualify in 1963 and finished in eighth in 1964, as the Wally Weir Mobil car.

Source - AACA Museum