1963 CUSTOM KUZMA OFFENHAUSER RACE CAR

Details

Built in 1961 by Eddie Kuzma for the Jim Robbins Seat Belt Company Racing Team, this race car is powered by a 255ci Offenhauser serial #204 4-cylinder engine with a 2-speed manual transmission. An original “laydown” car, the Offy engine lays on its side and sticks out past the frame rails to reduce drag and create more left-weight bias. This race car was one of the few laydown cars to run the Indy 500, the final iteration of the roadster era before rear engine cars became the norm in 1964. This

racecar is finished in its 1963 livery, when it was driven by Troy Ruttman, still the youngest driver to win the Indy 500 and whom A.J. Foyt said was the best driver he ever saw. After retiring from USAC competition at the end of 1963, the car was raced as a Super Modified. Owned by Marty Robbins (Jim’s son), this car was in an accident at Pocono in May 1969, a crash that claimed the life of its driver Troy Ruttman Jr. Bought by Bob Sealman, the car was raced for a decade on the east coast as a Super Modified. Bob McConnell, famed race car collector, purchased the car around 1980, unrestored, and held on to the car for some time before it passed on to Jim Mann around 2004. Mann is considered one of the most respected vintage Indy Car restorers in the country, and he worked his magic on the car from 2006-08. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2017. This race car has been accepted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as authentic, as well as being approved by the AACA for judging as an authentic, original Indianapolis roadster. This example retains its original chassis, suspension, brakes, interior, dash, steering wheel and gauges. The Halibrand wheels are real and stamped. A more authentic example would be hard to come by; this is not a replica, rather a real-deal Indy roadster that finished three races while being driven by an Indy 500 champion. The file on this car is loaded with documentation and historical photographs. Ready to race, runs great and complete in every way, this race car is a must-have for any serious American performance collector. **SOLD ON BILL OF SALE ONLY**