One of my favorite automotive books is Doug Nye’s “Motor Racing Mavericks”. Published in 1975, it explores failures—high-end failures—in Grand Prix and IndyCar racing. “Failures” is a harsh word to apply to some; no turbine car won at Indy, but in 1967 Parnelli Jones came within three laps of victory when a $6 bearing failed. Turbine cars were banned along with four-wheel drive to which they were particularly suited.
1968 Lotus Type 56 Turbine. Photo: Mecum Auctions
Some came into the category of “what were you smoking when you thought of that?” Augusto Monaco was an Argentine engineer who relocated to Italy and who made his name in 1932 with a hill climb special nicknamed Chichibio, which he constructed with Enrico Nardi.
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