1947 Diedt-Offenhauser
Offered by Mecum | Indianapolis, Indiana | July 10-18, 2020
Emil Diedt was a California-based fabricator whose name is closely associated with post-war racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This car, the Blue Crown Spark Plugs Special, competed at Indy in four consecutive years, from 1947 through 1950. It’s results were:
- 1947 Indianapolis 500 – 2nd (with Bill Holland)
- 1948 Indianapolis 500 – 2nd (with Holland)
- 1949 Indianapolis 500 – 1st (with Holland)
- 1950 Indianapolis 500 – 2nd (with Holland)
That’s the mark of a pretty dominant car. It’s powered by a 270ci Offenhauser inline-four that drives the front wheels, thus pulling the car through corners instead of pushing it. This car wears its Indy-winning livery and has spent time in the IMS museum, where it ultimately belongs.
But instead, you can go out and buy it. It’s one of the not-all-that-many 500-winning cars in private hands. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.
Update: Not sold, high bid of $4,000,000.