Lizard Racing Posted February 6, 2018 Posted February 6, 2018 Dan Gurney was arguably the finest international race driver America ever produced. He was a winner in sports cars, Indy cars, Can-Am, Trans Am and Formula 1. He won four Grand Prix races and gave three makes their first wins. He holds the distinction of achieving the only all-American grand Prix win and Le Mans win-within two weeks! Jim Clark said the only driver he feared as a rival was Dan. The cars he built were winners also in Formula Ford, Indy cars, Formula 5000 and IMSA prototypes. In 1961 Dan took a Chevrolet Impala SS 409 to England to contest the Saloon Car Championship. The car was essentially stock with race preparation. He competed in only one race, at Silverstone, where a rear wheel broke on the last lap while leading. Unfortunately, politics and prejudice prevented further racing. But he certainly got everyone's attention. Here is my tribute to Dan Gurney. RIP. This is about the only picture I could find of the actual car. The kit is Lindberg's. I fudged a little bit using the heavy-duty six lug wheels, as these were the only open wheels I had in the stash. If Dan used these, he may have won the Silverstone race. From a video of the race, it looked like the colors were blue exterior and gray interior. There's a lot of chrome on these old cars, especially in street trim. The mighty 409. Like the rest of the car, essentially stock, but blueprinted. Dan wanted to drive the car on the road between races. That must have been a blast!
Jon Cole Posted February 7, 2018 Posted February 7, 2018 Great build of a rare unknown! Your wheel choice give it a rugged look.
Phildaupho Posted February 7, 2018 Posted February 7, 2018 Very interesting model. I was not aware of this Gurney race car. Thanks for sharing.
berr13 Posted February 7, 2018 Posted February 7, 2018 Like Phil above, I had no idea of this race car. Pretty cool. You did a great job of reproducing it!
Miatatom Posted February 7, 2018 Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) Great job on an obscure Gurney race car. I'm working on his Belgian GP winner now. After his passing, I had to get on it. Edited February 7, 2018 by Miatatom
El Caballo Posted February 7, 2018 Posted February 7, 2018 The six lug wheels are an authentic touch.
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