Built to challenge the dominance of the Offenhauser at Indy, this 1961 Indy roadster, also known as the San Diego Steel Products roadster, for sale on Hemmings.com, never actually raced in the Indianapolis 500. However, as its seller notes, the roadster served notice that the Offenhauser engine’s days were indeed numbered at that level of competition, and at the same time it showcased the potency of the Chevrolet small-block V-8. Raced until the 1980s, it has since been restored to its 1961 configuration and livery and has made numerous appearances at vintage races. From the seller’s description:
First Chevy V8 to attempt a qualifying run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 1961. Set a world speed record for open wheel cars for 1 lap on a 1-1/2 mile track of 157.4 MPH on October 12, 1964 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Won the “Little 500” at Anderson, Indiana in 1977 with Jeff Bloom driving. It was driven by such notable drivers as Mike Magill, Greg Weld, Bob Hurt, Bob Pratt, Al Smith, Cy Fairchild, Tom Sneva, Ray Wright, Duke Cook, Johnny Logan, Marv Carman and Jeff Bloom. AACA Certified Competition Race Car # 127
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