1961 Chenowth San Diego Steel Products Indianapolis
A significant piece of American racing heritage, this Chuck Chenowth-built Indianapolis roadster was the first Chevrolet V-8-powered car to attempt qualification at the Indianapolis 500. Featuring Hilborn fuel injection, a Lehhman front-drive unit, Halibrand components, and Kuzma-and-Brown bodywork, it missed the field in 1960 and 1961 before embarking on a successful short-track career through the early 1980s, winning the 1977 Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. Restored to its 1961 Indianapolis configuration by Dave Schleppi, it has since earned AACA Senior and Grand National First honours.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$156,800
- → 1994Acquisition unknownLee Holmanpartial documentation
John Holman's son commissioned a restoration carried out jointly by Holman-Moody and InMatch Engineering of Barrington, Illinois; a revised Ford SVO engine with Gurney-Weslake heads and Weber carburettors was fitted afterward.
- 1994 →Private saleThomas Mittlerpartial documentation
Mittler invested substantially to make the car competitive for historic racing, enlisting former McLaren Can-Am constructor Alex Greaves; engine and suspension were rebuilt again in 2008.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPaul Newmanpartial documentation
Newman owned the car during its 1967 Can-Am campaign and later featured it in his 1969 film.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownHolman-Moodypartial documentation
The car was returned to the Holman-Moody facility after Newman's ownership, where it remained until the mid-1980s when John Holman's son Lee initiated a full restoration.
Competition
- 1967Can-Am1967 Can-Am SeriesDriver: Mario AndrettiBest finish 8th overall
Car entered five rounds; top result achieved at Bridgehampton, New York. Owned by Paul Newman during this campaign.
- 1997Historic Can-AmHistoric Can-Am Celebration Cup1st
Victory came after Thomas Mittler had the car extensively prepared for historic competition by former McLaren Can-Am builder Alex Greaves.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1986Restoration
Comprehensive restoration to the car's 1961 Indianapolis 500 configuration, including fitting of new hand-formed metal body panels and a fibreglass rear tail section; the chassis is believed to be original throughout.
Work commissioned by Dave Schleppi of Batavia, Ohio.
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