Wildcat IndyCar (1981) - Mario Andretti

This Wildcat was one of the last American Indy cars built. The bodywork was built by Pat Patrick. It was powered by a 2.65L Cosworth motor hooked u to a 4-speed transmission. The car weighted 1900 lbs and had a top speed of 220 MPH.

In 1981, Mario Andretti could have picked up his second Indy 500 win with this car. Late in the race while under caution, the race leader, Bobby Unser, passed several cars while exiting pit road. This was a violation of the rules. Unser was allowed to re-start the race as race leader and went on to win the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti finishing second. The next day, after reviewing the incident, USAC officials penalized Unser and declared Andretti as the race winner. For some reason, the courts got involved. Several months later, the penalty was again reversed and Bobby Unser was declared the official winner of the 1981 Indianapolis 500. Mario Andretti kept the race winner's ring and still wears it to this day.