1980 Porsche Interscope Prototype Indy Car

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The 1980 Parnelli Chassis was designed by Roman Slobodynskj, and was chosen as the base to develop an indy car by Interscope Racing.  Owner Ted Field needed something that was going to beat the competition so he turned to Porsche to develop an engine and collaborate in the development of the car.  Porsche took the Flat six cylinder boxer engine from the 935 chassis used in endurance racing all over the world, including a 24 hour Daytona victory in 1979. To push the engine further Porsche water cooled the cylinder heads while keeping the cylinders air cooled for weight savings.  The cylinder heads were electro beam welded to the cylinder to achieve extremely high boost pressure.  With a KKK turbocharger thrown on for good measure now that the engine could handle high boost pressures.  Combining a proven chassis with an improved version of a 935 engine, Porsche and Interscope had the car they believed they needed to win the Indy 500.  This car was tested extensively at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, which is almost identical to the Indianapolis track, and reportedly broke several track records.  These tests were only witnessed by driver Danny Ongais, owner Ted Field, and Porsche as well as Interscope engineers.  It turns out the results of the testing were too promising, with racing superstar A.J. Foyt using his influence to persuade the USAC to lower the boost levels for Porsche.  Despite protest from Interscope and Porsche Motorsport eventually the USAC board of directors caved in to the pressure put on by Foyt, and Porsche was forced to lower the intake pressure to fourty-eight inches of mercury, drastically decreasing the output.  With the race only a month away and the restrictions making the car subpar to the competition, Porsche and Interscope threw in the towel for the 1980 race.  While this specimen never participated in a race, it's power plant became the basis for the 956 and 962 engines.  Following its nearly legendary racing career chassis 31 was sold to Wayne Jackson in the 1990s.  Afterwards a 100 point restoration was undertaken by Gunnar Racing.  The Drendel Family added this piece of history to their collection where it remained for a number of years.  In March of 2012 G&W Motorwerks purchased the car from the Drendel Family, until it wound up being cared for by Champion Porsche. For any inquiries and or offers please contact Thad Jones: Email: thadj@champion-motors.com Phone: (954)482-2817