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Forum 18
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Topic starter
12/10/2026 9:53 am
In 1974 this McLaren M16 C/D Indy car driven by Johnny Rutherford won the 500 mile race in a 270 cid 4 banger that looks like it should be powering a farm tractor. Developed around 1934 by Fred Offenhauser and Leo Goosen from a the concept of Harry Miller, the winning innovation employed by them was simple yet brilliant: cast the engine block and head in one piece. With no head gasket to blow, you could place impossible cylinder pressures on it with impunity. This DOHC engine could take compression ratios of 15:1 as well as heavy turbo charging boosts could generate 700 HP. Known as the Offenhauser engine, it dominated Indy with 17 straight victories from 1947 to 1964. It was raced from the '30s through the '80s it was dominant is USAC Champs cars, sprint cars and midget racers. Resurrected once again in 1974, McLaren's turbo Offenhauser started the race in 25th place and ultimately beat the #2 car by 18 seconds.
This Carousel 1 model of Rutherford's wedge-shaped #3 car, finished in Papaya Orange, is quire nicely rendered.
12/10/2026 10:24 am
"Known as the Offenhauser engine, it dominated Indy with 17 straight victories from 1947 to 1964."
Incredible!
- Carousel 1 did a nice job here, this orange beat looks great - very 1970's. 😎 😎
12/10/2026 3:48 pm
Ok, i’m totally sober and I’m wondering why I’m getting mixed up with a #2 & a #3 car. Which is which? You mentioned that the number three car beat the number two car by 18 seconds and yet you are showing the number two car.
Christopher Moroni and GDH reacted