The Parnelli VPJ1 is an open-wheel race car, designed by British designer and engineer Maurice Phillippe for Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing, to compete in U.S.A.C. Championship Car, between 1972. It was driven by Mario Andretti and Al Unser. It was powered by an Offenhauser four-cylinder turbo engine, reputed to develop between 1,200–1,300 hp (890–970 kW), depending on turbo boost pressure levels. It didn't win any races, but did score three podium finishes; two for Unser at Indianapolis and Pocono, and one for Andretti at Phoenix.[1][2][3][4]

Parnelli VPJ-1
CategoryUSAC IndyCar
ConstructorVel's Parnelli Jones Racing
Designer(s)Maurice Phillippe
SuccessorParnelli VPJ2
Technical specifications
ChassisAluminum Monocoque
SuspensionInboard springs and Fox shocks front and rear, operated by top rocker arm with front and lower rear A arms of streamline tubing
EngineOffenhauser 158 cu in (2,589.2 cc) I-4 Mid-engined, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionHewland L.G. Mk.II 4-speed manual
Weight1,550 lb (703.1 kg)
FuelMethanol
TyresFirestone Speedway Specials - Rear 27.0x14.5-15 - Front 25.5x10.0-15
Competition history
Notable driversAl Unser
Mario Andretti

References

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  1. ^ "1972 Parnelli VPJ-1 Monoposto Chassis VPJ-1/102". Conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  2. ^ Triplett, Kevin (2019-05-29). "Kevin Triplett's Racing History : 1972 Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Team VPJ-1". Triplettracehistory.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  3. ^ "1972 Parnelli VPJ-1". conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  4. ^ Log in (2021-11-01). "This reborn 1972 Indy car was salvaged from Parnelli Jones' dumpster - Hagerty Media". Hagerty.com. Retrieved 2022-06-02.