Rodger Ward in the 1967 Phoenix-winning Indy Gilbert, leads Phil Hillin the ex-Fangio Talbot Lago, at the start of the Vintage Formula One Race, on Sunday.
Some 38 years ago, there was a vintage event like no other. It was the 1985 Palm Springs Vintage Grand Prix. Why was it so different? Would you believe 19 Formula One and Indy veterans on the same grid, all in competitive open-wheel cars? How about Dan Gurney in his Spa-winning Eagle! Or Bobby Unser in his 1975 F5000 Eagle! Stirling Moss in a Lotus, the twin of the car in which he won the 1962 Grand Prix of Monaco! You get the idea. Another event that weekend we called the Fabulous ‘50s Reunion featured more than 50 drivers who raced during the ’50s, most in the same or similar cars. Afterwards, Carroll Shelby said, “I don’t know how this came about, but it’s not likely to happen again.” Road & Track’s article stated that “It may turn out to be the most successful vintage car race ever held on this continent.”
Palm Springs neighbors Johnny Von Neumann (left) and Art Evans.
Actually, it was my idea and I ended up as the promoter. Here’s how it developed: For quite a few years, Johnny Von Neumann, Vasek Polak and I had second homes in Palm Springs. All three of us were on the same street within walking distance of one another. So it was natural that we would get together now and then.
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