1972 AAR Eagle 7200 Indycar Monoposto

The design of Dan Gurney's All American Racers (AAR) for the 1972 was entrusted to Roman Slobodynskyj. Among the styling elements bestowed upon the cars were sizeable front wings, side-mounted radiators, and a large, five-foot-wide rear wing. The United States Auto Club allowed teams during the 1972 season to use free-standing wings on their cars, as long as they did not move and were not attached to the suspension. Another key component for the 1972 AAR cars was the addition of the Gurney flap, a small lip placed at the rear of the wing.

Among the accolades achieved by the AAR cars during the 1972 season being the first car to break 200 mph for a lap, and Bobby Unser setting a track record at Indianapolis during his pole-qualifying run. His speed of nearly 196 mph beat the 1971 record by over 18 mph.

The team built approximately thirty examples of the 1972 AAR Gurney Eagle, and this particular example was sold new to team owner Lindsey Hopkins and driven by Mel Kenyon over three seasons. When new, the car was powered by a turbocharged Offenhauser engine. The following season, the team switched to a turbocharged Ford/Foyt four-cam V-8 and handed the driving duties to Eldon Rasmussen. 1973 was also the year it achieved its best success, placing fourth at the Indianapolis 500.

In 1974, it is believed that the tub was used to rebuild chassis 72-15, also owned by Mr. Hopkins. Both 72-11 and 72-15 were then sold to Fred Fuhr of Hastings, Michigan, in the mid-1970s.

Dave Hammers acquired 72-11 around 1998 and at the time, it was devoid of an engine. After the acquisition, Mr. Wonder contacted A.J. Foyt and purchased two Ford four-cam V-8 engines. One of the powerplants was a 161 cubic-inch turbocharged unit and the other was a 255 CID normally aspirated engine with Lucas fuel injection. The 255 CID engine was installed in the Eagle since it was an easier process to perform.

In 2011, the Eagle was sold to William M. Wonder and during this ownership, Lucas fuel injection and an onboard starter were fitted and the car was converted to run on gasoline.

In 2022, this Gurney Eagle Indy Car was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auction where it found new ownership for the sum of $112,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2022