1974-Vels-Parnelli-VFJ4 Formula 1

Description

1974 Vel’s Parnelli VPJ4 Formula 1 Car
s/n 001
Period Red and White Viceroy Livery

Based in Torrance, California, Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing was the result of a partnership between Velko (Vel) Miletich and Parnelli Jones. During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, they dominated open wheel racing in the United States, with back to back victories at the Indy 500 in 1970 and 1971. Additionally, the team won three consecutive National Chmpionships and two USAC Dirt Championships. Many of the period’s highest caliber drivers drove with VPJ, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Joe Leonard, Danny Ongais, Al Unser, and of course Parnelli Jones.

In 1974, the team hired Maurice Philippe (who also designed the Lotus 72) to design a car for them to compete internationally in Formula 1. The car was adventurously designed with torsion bar suspension front and rear and inboard disc brakes, and was powered by the proven DOHC Ford Cosworth DFV V8. Tires were bespoke items supplied by Firestone, a major sponsor for the effort. Three cars were constructed, and this one was driven by Mario Andretti, appearing toward the end of the 1974 season for a two races (Mosport and Watkins Glen, at which Andretti qualified faster than anyone else).

Firestone, the principal sponsor, decided to withdraw from racing in 1975, leaving Parnelli holding the bag, but the team continued on nevertheless and ran a full season. Andretti drove the car well, but it was a new car that was still under development and there were mechanical failures of various types. Nevertheless, he posted impressive qualifying times, and finished 4th in Sweden and 5th in the French Grand Prix. The team ran two races in 1976, and was improved with the fitment of coil springs at the front, and revised bodywork, but without the sponsorship of Firestone, they could not continue.

This particular car, s/n 001, was crashed in practice for the Swedish Grand Prix of 1975, and set aside. It, along with the other two VPJ4’s constructed, was placed in the Parnelli Jones collection until 2002, when the car’s current owner acquired it. He had the car completely restored by world-renowned Phil Reilly and Co. of Corte Madera, California, for use in Historic Grand Prix events. The car was completed in 2006, and has been used in a number events, including the 2008 Monaco Historic, and has proven to be very reliable, with no DNF’s since completion. The engine was recently treated to a full rebuild, again by Phil Reilly and Co. and has one race on it. Naturally, the car has FIA papers, and is eligible for a variety of global historic events.

The car is in very nice cosmetic condition. The car was restored to 1976 specification with coil springs, outboard front brakes, and high air scoop, and the livery replicates the United States bicentennial of 1976. The bodywork is in good shape, with a few stress cracks. The paint shows some wear from track use, but remains quite presentable. The chassis, suspension, and other mechanical components are excellent, being extremely tidy and reflecting the car’s high level of mechanical preparation. The interior is functional and has been correctly restored with quilted upholstery and vintage Smiths instruments.

This car represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the last and only American Formula 1 cars built. As such it is an extremely historic and unrepeatable opportunity, one which is made all the more extraordinary by this car’s unique history, which involves some great motorsports legends including. Certainly one of the most illustrious of these is Mario Andretti, who went on to win the Formula 1 Championship with Lotus in 1978. The car has had just two owners from new, and has been restored by the best in the business. Its performance since its restoration speaks to its level of preparation, and the car is currently track ready for exciting events around the world. The car is truly a historic artifact from one of the few times in which Americans have fielded Formula 1 cars and would be equally at home in a museum or on track.