Hemmings Find of the Day – 1974 Gurney Eagle Indy Car

Published by Mike on June 4, 2015

Mario Andretti didn’t win the 1975 Indianapolis 500; in fact, his day ended early with a back-straight crash on lap 50, caused by mechanical failure. The seller of this 1974 Gurney Eagle Indy Car, for sale on Hemmings.com, claims it’s the very same one driven by Andretti at the Brickyard that day, now restored to a very similar Viceroy livery. Prior to its appearance at Indy in 1975, the Eagle served as a backup car for the Vel’s Parnelli Jones Team during the 1974 season, and though not documented by the seller, chances are good that it saw competition with other teams following the 1975 Indy 500. From the seller’s description:

1974 Gurney Eagle Indy 500, The car was campaigned by the Vel’s Parnelli Jones Race Team in 1974 and 1975. This car was a “back-up” car for the Vel’s Parnelli Jones Race Team in 1974. In 1975 the car, driven by Mario Andretti, number 21, was qualified in the 27th position. Mario Andretti cashed on lap 49 that ended the day for he and the car, finishing in 28th place. The car has completed a 100% restored back to as it appeared on Race Day in 1975.