Ferrari Signs, Sports Cars, & Memorabilia
Lot 71A:
Description
**No Shipping – Pick Up or Third Party Transport Only** This 1970 King Dirt Champ car is a true survivor, having carved its path across dirt tracks in the heart of the 1970s racing scene. Built during the winter of 1970 by Grant King for the legendary Andy Granatelli of STP fame, the car was specifically designed for Mario Andretti, the reigning 1969 USAC champion. It proudly carried the number 1, a testament to Andretti’s skills. Under the hood roared a Gurney Weslake Ford 320 ci pushrod engine, a powerful beast built upon the foundation of a Ford Boss 302 block. STP Corporation and Firestone Tire and Rubber provided crucial sponsorship, allowing the car to shine in its signature Day Glow Red paint scheme ? a color combination that became synonymous with Granatelli’s racing endeavors. Equipped with a Halibrand drivetrain and Firestone diamond and ribbed tires, the Kingfish was a champion on the dirt. It battled it out on iconic one-mile dirt tracks in Indianapolis, Springfield, DuQuion, Sedalia, and Sacramento, conquering each 100-mile race with grit and determination. The car’s legacy extends beyond its racing prowess. The dashboard boasts a collection of autographs ? Andy and Vincent Granatelli, Mario Andretti, Greg Weld, Wally Dallenbach, and Johnny Parsons Jr. ? each signature representing a driver who piloted the car during the Granatelli/Patrick ownership era. U. E. “Pat” Patrick eventually purchased the car and team from Granatelli in the mid-seventies, keeping the racing spirit alive for several years. It then passed through the hands of Marshall Aberle and driver Steve Cannon before finally landing with Jim York. Recognizing its historical significance, Jim’s son Pat embarked on a meticulous restoration, returning the car to its original 1970 glory. Today, this beautifully restored Kingfish Indy car stands as a testament to a bygone era of racing. It’s a rolling piece of history, ready to captivate anyone who appreciates the power and determination of vintage Indy car racing.
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