formula143

Grand Prix History in Scale Models

1968, Eagle, IndyCar, Mark Donohue, Spark

1968 Eagle Mk4 – Chevrolet Donohue

After two years using a Len Terry design, Anglo American Racers (AAR) employed Tony Southgate to design the 1968 Indy Eagle. The Mk4, designed by Southgate featured a lower, flatter monocoque, and changed from the Lotus-style rocker-arm suspension used by Len Terry on the earlier Eagles to the outboard springs and wishbone suspension still favoured by Lola and Brabham. Five 1968 Eagles were ready in time for the 1968 Indy 500 with several different engine options. Bobby Unser won the 1968 Indianapolis 500 in the Leader Card Racers example, powered by turbocharged Offenhauser. The car entered by Lindsey Hopkins for driver Roger McCluskey also used turbo Offy. Gurney’s own car being fitted with the stock block Gurney Weslake Ford, Danny Hulme’s having the quad-cam Ford V8 Indy engine, and Tom Friedkin’s entry for  Jerry Grant risking the unproven turbo Ford.  A sixth car, a road-racing version fitted with a 302 ci Chevrolet engine, was acquired by Roger Penske, and Mark Donohue raced it at Mosport and Riverside that season. In his Sunoco-sponsored car Donohue was sixth in the first race at Mosport, and improved to fourth in the second event same day. At Riverside Donohue retired early with broken right front wheel suspension.

SeasonSeriesEvent
1968USAC National ChampionshipRex Mays 300 Riverside
Driver No.Entrant
Mark Donohue12Roger Penske
ChassisEngineCar Name
Eagle Mk4ChevroletSunoco Eagle
Scale ManufacturerCollection
1:43Spark
Cat. No.QualityRarity
S4260

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