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1971 Parnelli Lightning P.J. Colt Indy Car

Vel's VPJ team was composed of Vel Miletich, California Ford dealer, Parnelli Jones rookie of the year 1961 and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1963, and the team mechanic Jimmy Dilamarter. Joining this elite group of individuals were some of the most talented drivers of the day.

VPJ began designing and constructing its own racecars in 1969. In 1970 and 1971, the P.J. Colt series cars won both consecutive Indianapolis 500 and USAC National Championships, with drivers Al Unser and Joe Leonard. Vel's Parnelli Jones was named the 'Super Team' in 1972, with the addition of Mario Andretti.

Rather than beginning with a 'clean sheet design,' VPJ initially fielded a Colt, essentially a modified Lola T150. When it was time to replace the Colt, the team hired several former Lotus engineers including Maurice Phillippe. Three USAC (Indy) cars were constructed, followed by the team's first Formula 1 entry - the VPJ4.

by Dan Vaughan


Al Unser, the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 for a fourth time, captured his first in 1970, driving a turbocharged V8 Ford-powered, Lola-based P.J. Colt for the partnership of sportsman Vel Miletich and retired Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones. It marked the first time brothers had been victorious at the Brickyard, since Al's brother Bobby had won the 1968 classic. Unser started from the pole and led for 190 of the 200 laps, giving up the front running position only while making pit stops. George Bignotti scored his fourth of a record seven victories as Chief Mechanic.

In winning the 1971 Indianapolis 500, Al Unser became only the fourth driver to post victories in consecutive years, joining Wilbur Shaw (1939-1940), Mauri Rose (1947-1948), and Bill Vukovich (1953-1954). Contrary to popular perception, Unser's turbocharged Ford-powered, Johnny Lightning-sponsored winning mount was not the 1970 race winner, but an entirely new ride. Based on a 1969 Lola, the latest PJ (for Parnelli Jones) Colt was built by the Vel Miletetich/Parnelli Jones organization under the direction of George Bignotti. During the race, Unser led for 103 laps, never surrendering that lead during the final 82 circuits. Bignotti became the winning chief mechanic for the fifth time.


In winning the 1971 '500,' Al Unser became only the fourth driver in history to post victories in consecutive years, joining Wilbur Shaw (1939-1940), Mauri Rose (1947-48) and Bill Vukovich (1953-54). Contrary to popular perception, Unser's turbocharged Ford-powered, Johnny Lightning-sponsored car was not his winning mount from 1970, but rather a brand-new car. Also based on a 1969 Lola, the latest PJ (for Parnelli Jones) Colt was built by the Vel Miletich / Parnelli Jones organization under the direction of George Bignotti, who became the winning chief mechanic for the fifth time. Unser led for 103 laps, never being headed after lap 118.


Chassis number: 115

Joe Leonard became a full-time driver at Vel's Parnelli Jones in 1971. For the first two races of the season, he was without sponsorship for his #15 Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing PJ Colt-Ford. Going forward, his car became known as the PJ Colt Ford 'Samsonite Special,' referencing its Samsonite sponsorship.

At the Indianapolis 500, Leonard and Al Unser battled for the lead. Leonard eventually led for 21 laps before retiring due to a broken turbocharger.

Leonard dove this car at Pocono in July, Milwaukee in August (failed to qualify), and at Ontario in September, which he won. He also drove it at Trenton and Phoenix in October. Its final race in period was in 1972 (March) at Phoenix.

The car spent many years in storage. In 2000, it was given a restoration by Phil Reilly and remained in the Vel's Parnelli Collection until the collection was sold to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in May 2012.

by Dan Vaughan