Conceived by Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers, with early support from Carroll Shelby, the Eagle represents one of the boldest and most ambitious efforts ever undertaken by an American constructor in Formula One. Combining breathtaking design with advanced engineering, it has become an enduring icon of Grand Prix racing.

From 13 July – 4 August, the car will be on display at Sotheby’s New York galleries as part of the 250 Years of American Art & Culture exhibition. It will then travel to California for display at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction, taking place 13-15 August, before being offered via RM Sotheby’s Sealed, with bidding open September 23-30.

CHASSIS NUMBER 103 – THE SECOND WESLAKE V-12 EAGLE

The car offered is the second of the three V-12-powered Eagle chassis constructed, chassis 103 which made its race debut on 12 March 1967 at the Race of Champions, at Brands Hatch. AAR entered two cars for the race, with Gurney taking the wheel of chassis 102 and fellow Californian Richie Ginther assuming 103. The day’s proceedings took the form of two 10-lap heats followed by a 40-lap final with Gurney securing pole position and a maiden race win for Eagle in heat 1. In the second heat, Gurney prevailed, once again taking overall. Ginther would finish 3rd and then 2nd in the two heats driving Chassis 103 – a strong bebut for the fledgling team.

After a retiremant form the Mocaco Grand Prix, chassis 103 headed to Mosport in Canada and then to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, to entrusted to ex-Ferrari Formula 1 refugee Ludovico Scarfiotti. The race was another case of what might have been for AAR, with Gurney’s engine failing after just four laps – frustratingly, while leading – and Scarfiotti – in 103- doing the same just a lap later.

POST-COMPETITION HISTORY

After passing through the hands of several privateer competitors in North America, chassis 103 returned to the UK in 1998, sfter which the car made several notable appearences including participations at the 1999 Goodwood Revival, 2000 Goodwood Festival of Speed and 2002 Monaco Historic Grand PrIx. In 2002, 103 was acquired by the consigning owner in whose esteemed collection it has remained ever since. A notable participation in the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed aside, it is understood not to have run competitively since.

The present availability of chassis 103 – one of just two V-12-powered Eagles in private hands – is an unreaptable opportunity. Exquisitely engineered, impeccably finished, and blessed with a priceless association with the incomparable Daniel Sexton Gurney, this must surely rank as one of the most significant “pre-Wings and Slicks” 3-litre Grand Prix cars ever to be publicly offered for sale and should be afforded all due consideration by any appropriately committed prospective purchaser.