To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Auburn
Fall event, 3 - 5 September 2020.
Estimate:
$350,000 - $450,000
- Offered from the Bill Akin Collection
- Previously of the famed Bob McConnell Collection
- Raced in the 1961, 1962, 1963 runnings of the Indianapolis
500
- 2018 Pebble Beach Tony Hulman Award-winner
- Beautifully restored to its 1962 Bryant Heating and Cooling
livery
Legendary race car builder Quincy David "Quin" Epperly spared no
expense in the construction of the exceptional piece of racing
history offered here. Originally built for the 1961 Indianapolis
500, where it was emblazoned with the number 3, this classic Indy
roadster was impressive in its beautiful red and silver Hoover
Motor Express Companies livery. A strong qualifying effort by
driver Don Branson put the car in the middle of the front row on
race day, but bent valves in his 255 Offenhauser engine ended the
competition for him after only two laps, resulting in a 33rd-place
finish.
For 1962, the car was given number 54 and was driven by the 1961
Rookie of the Year, Bobby Marshman. Sponsored by Bryant Heating and
Cooling, the car was surely one of the one of the most striking
ever to appear at the Speedway. The overall black finish was
complemented by bright red accents surrounding the gold leaf
numbers and lettering. The side panels, oil tank, headrest, engine
cover, and air scoop were all polished to a mirror finish. Even the
Halibrand magnesium wheels had a lustrous bright chrome-like shine.
Starting from third spot, Marshman completed all 200 laps and
finished in the fifth position.
In 1963 the car was once again at Indianapolis, this time entered
by Tidewater Associates for Hoover Inc. and still bearing the
number 54 it wore in 1962-though this year, the car had a
distinctive bright orange paint job accented by side panels and
numbers painted with a black and white checkerboard design. Driver
Bud Tingelstad started the race in the 25th position and lasted 46
laps until a turn two crash ended his day, giving him a 28th place
finish. 1963 would mark the final appearance for the number 54
Epperly roadster.
Like so many historic racing cars, the roadster's post-competition
history remains a mystery. At some point, it joined the stable of
noted collector Bob McConnell of Urbana, Ohio. Mr. McConnell is
known for saving dozens of open-wheel race cars, restoring many
himself. It took legendary Indy collector Bill Akin several years
to get Mr. McConnell to part with this car but eventually the two
stuck a deal and the project moved to Mr. Akin's Nashville
shop.
Under Mr. Akin's ownership, the roadster underwent a fastidious
restoration and was returned to the 1962 Indianapolis livery in
which it is offered today. The quality of the restoration is
underlined by its Pebble Beach history, winning the 2018 Tony
Hulman Award and placing second in the Indy Revolution class that
year.
As a truly exceptional restoration of a wonderful racing car from
the golden days of Indy, the 1961 Epperly roadster offered here is
worthy of further preservation and care in the collection of
another true connoisseur.
Please note that this lot is sold on a Bill of Sale.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20.
