The Mecum Kissimmee auction offered a special collection of fifteen (15) historic Indy race cars. The cars were displayed with pit row gas tanks (sold separately) to further enhance the race day image. Both front engine roadsters and rear engine cars were part of the lineup, the oldest a 1949 Snowberger Offenhauser, and the newest a 1986 Lola Cosworth.
It was interesting to walk the lineup to see the evolution of speed technology. Changes such as moving the engine to the rear, body streamlining, advancements in low profile tires, addition of wings, and cockpit modernization were some of the significant modifications made over the years.
Included in the collection were cars driven by some of the biggest names in motor sports like Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Al Unser, and AJ Foyt. One of the cars, a 1959 Kurtis-Epperly Offenhauser, was the Indy winner in 1960 when Foyt won his first of four races at the brickyard.
Auction prices on individual cars ranged from $66,000 (1971 Morris Marauder Ford) to $715,000 (1966 Lola-Ford). Here’s a look at the field as they ran down the auction block.
1959 Kurtis Epperly Offenhauser (AJ Foyt) Sold for $550,000 1959 Kurtis Epperly Offenhauser (AJ Foyt) Sold for $550,000
1966 Lola Ford (Jackie Stewart) Sold for $715,000 1966 Lola Ford (Jackie Stewart) Sold for $715,000
1983 Lola Cosworth Sold for $275,000 1983 Lola Cosworth Sold for $275,000
1986 Lola Cosworth (Mario Andretti) Sold for $159,500 1986 Lola Cosworth (Mario Andretti) Sold for $159,500
1969 VPJ Ford (Al Unser) Sold for $198,000 1969 VPJ Ford (Al Unser) Sold for $198,000
1963 Watson Offenhauser (Roger Ward) Sold for $275,000 1963 Watson Offenhauser (Roger Ward) Sold for $275,000
1971 Morris Marauder Ford Sold for $66,000 1971 Morris Marauder Ford Sold for $66,000
1979 Lola Cosworth Sold for $154,000 1979 Lola Cosworth Sold for $154,000
1963 Watson Offenhauser Sold for $352,000 1963 Watson Offenhauser Sold for $352,000
1963 Watson Offenhauser Sold for $110,000 1963 Watson Offenhauser Sold for $110,000
1965 Watson Two Seater Sold for $66,000 1965 Watson Two Seater Sold for $66,000
1956 Kurtis Kraft Novi Replica Indy Car Sold for $77,000 1956 Kurtis Kraft Novi Replica Indy Car Sold for $77,000
1949 Snowberger Offenhauser Sold for $99,000 1949 Snowberger Offenhauser Sold for $99,000
1958 Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser Sold for $143,000 1958 Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser Sold for $143,000
1952 Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser Sold for $143,000 1952 Kurtis Kraft Offenhauser Sold for $143,000
All prices on sold vehicles include sales commission.
Go here for more on the 2025 Mecum Kissimme auction.
