Monday, May 30, 2011

Indy 500 - In 1958

by Mike -

The Epperly, No. 99, was built by Quin Epperly in California and was originally owned by Norman C. Demler of New York.

The first driver was George Amick who nearly won the Indy 500 in 1958 coming in a close second place. George Amick was awarded rookie of the year at Indy that year. Unfortunately he was killed at Daytona in 1959.


It has an Offenhauser 255 cid engine.


In 1959 Paul Goldsmith came in fifth at Indy in No. 99 and again he drove this car in 1960 to third place. In 1961 the Epperly blew a piston and was a DNF coming in 22nd place.



In 1962 a series of accidents in time trials eliminated the car from the race.

In 1966 a General Electric turbine was added and No. 99 was one of the first turbine powered cars to race at Indy. Driven by Al Miller and Bill Cheesboug the car was very fast but was declared unsafe because of the brakes.


This car was restored in 1998 by Quinn Epperly, the original builder, and Phil Reilly & Company. These pictures were taken at the Marin Sonoma Concours d'Elegance on May 15, 2011.

Click on the images for a larger view.


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