It closed on the site Bring a Trailer a very interesting auction, which resulted in a very affordable price for the buyer. In fact, with an outlay of approx 343 thousand euros net of the current exchange rate with the dollar, an Indycar enthusiast took home one Lola T900 from 1985driven by Mario Andretti in Indianapolis and run by the legendary team Newman / Haas Racing.
These are not the only elements that make this car unique. The HU 21 chassis held the lead for 107 laps at the 1985 Indianapolis 500 right with Andretti at the wheel, finishing second behind Danny Sullivan. After that race it was acquired by the collector Don Lyons, who was able to restore the car to its original specifications. The last transaction related to the car, before the auction closed on March 4, 2022, was in 2009.
It is a real gem of Indycar history. The composite bodywork is covered with a reproduction of the 1985 Beatrice Foods livery. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.6-liter Cosworth DFX V8 engine, paired with a five-speed Hewland manual gearbox. MOMO rims with magnesium alloy center lock are paired with Goodyear Eagle Speedway Special slick tires. Braking is provided by AP Racing four-piston calipers, with ventilated discs. The cockpit is equipped with a seat with a fixed backrest, and with a red Sabelt five-point harness. Other features include an alloy roll-hoop and fire suppression system. The three-spoke Lola-MOMO steering wheel is mounted on a quick-release hub in front of a 12,600-rpm tachometer and auxiliary gauges.
A scary vehicle in Indianapolis, when the cars were real death traps: the level of security, compared to current rules and technology, was laughable. Drivers like Mario Andretti were able to write American racing history with enormous courage, and this car is proof of that.
(images: Bring A Trailer)
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