1971 Dodge Challenger Pace Car Convertible

A local Dodge dealer named Eldon Palmer was chosen to drive the Indy Pace Car on race day for 1971. Unfortunately, Palmer entered the history books for causing the only pace car-related accident in Indy 500 history. After pacing the race cars to the green flag, he came into pit lane too fast, lost control, and crashed into the photographers' grandstand, injuring about 20 people. The race, however, was won by Al Unser at a record speed of 157.735 mph.

There were 2,165 Challenger Convertibles built in 1971 and 167 of those were given the 383 cubic-inch V8 engine. The exact number of pace car replica's is not known but some estimates are around 50. All of the Pace Car Replica's were painted in bright Hemi orange with a white convertible top and white interior, just like the two cars chosen to pace the race. Power was from the 300 horsepower, 383 V8 with 10:1 compression, mated to Chrysler's three-speed Torqueflite transmission.

This example was in the same ownership until 2007. It is equipped with power steering, a power top, and factory air conditioning. Since new, it has been given a cosmetic restoration. Even though it is powered by a 383 V8 engine, the VIN number indicates that this was not one of the 167 Convertibles equipped from the factory with that engine.

In 2009, this Indy 500 Pace Car Convertible was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $50,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $25,300 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009