This 1960 Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster was built for the 1959 Indy 500 by Frank Kurtis for George Bignotti and Bob Bowes. The laydown engine car was driven in the 500 by Jud Larson who qualified 23rd and finished 29th. The car was completely reworked for the 1960 race by Quin Epperly. This work included Quin’s suspension, steering and new Epperly bodywork from the seat forward. The revised car was driven in the 1960 Indy 500 race by A.J. Foyt. He qualified 16th but went out with a clutch failure and finished 25th.
Foyt was second in both Milwaukee races in 1960 and second and third in Trenton. With his four dirt track victories that year, Foyt won his first National Championship.
Design and Engineering
-
Engine: The 1960 Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster was typically powered by a Offenhauser (Offy) inline-four engine, a popular choice among Indy car builders at the time. The Offenhauser engine was renowned for its durability, power output, and adaptability to different racing conditions. These engines were often supercharged to maximize horsepower, crucial for competing in the high-speed, endurance demands of the Indianapolis 500.
-
Chassis and Suspension: The chassis of the Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster was custom-built by Kurtis Kraft, a prominent name in American race car manufacturing. The chassis was designed to be lightweight yet sturdy, incorporating advanced suspension systems that typically included torsion bars and coil springs. This setup provided the necessary rigidity and responsiveness needed to navigate the challenging oval track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
-
Bodywork: The body of the Indy Roadster was designed with aerodynamics in mind, featuring a sleek and streamlined profile to reduce drag and enhance straight-line speed. The design included distinctive features like the low-slung, open-wheel configuration typical of Indy cars of that era. The body panels were often made from lightweight materials to further optimize performance.
-
Interior: Inside the cockpit, the emphasis was on functionality and driver ergonomics. The seating position was optimized for driver comfort and control, with a minimalistic dashboard layout that housed essential gauges and controls. Safety features included a roll bar and safety harnesses, reflecting the evolving standards of safety in motorsport during the 1960s.
Racing Achievements and Legacy
-
Indy 500 Legacy: The Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster competed in the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious motorsport events globally. These cars were known for their competitive edge, with a strong record of performance and reliability on the challenging 2.5-mile oval track.
-
Technological Impact: The Indy Roadster represented the pinnacle of American racing technology during the early 1960s. It showcased innovations in engine design, chassis dynamics, and aerodynamics that influenced subsequent generations of Indy cars and race car development globally.
-
Cultural Significance: The Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster and similar vehicles of its era symbolize the spirit of American ingenuity and craftsmanship in motorsport. They continue to be celebrated in classic car circles and museums, preserving their legacy as icons of mid-20th-century racing excellence.
Collectibility and Value
-
Rare and Coveted: Original Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadsters are rare and highly sought after by collectors of vintage race cars and automotive enthusiasts. Their historical significance, racing pedigree, and limited production numbers contribute to their high collectibility and value in the classic car market.
You may purchase a print of the 1960 Kurtis Epperly Indy Roadster in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
