This vehicles is an excellent example of the classic front engined American 'special' designed around the famous offenhauser 4 cylinder engine and was built specifically to contest the famous "Indianapolis 500" race.
Built in 1954, this particular vehicle was known as the Dr Sabourin Special, as it was entered by Dr R N Sabourin. Driven by Rodger Ward (who was to win the event in other cars in 1959 and 1962) the car retired on lap 172 when it stalled and could not be restarted. For the 1955 race the chassis was modified further, and the driver was Eddie Russo. Again the car was retired. This time on lap 112 with ignition problems. The success of the rear engined cars based on Formula One designs in the mid 1960's at Indianapolis, saw the end of the domination of racing there by these 'Offy' specials.