8. The Granatelli Turbines Run Wild: 1967, 1968 Indy 500s
Parnelli Jones in Andy Granatelli's turbine engine car (The "Whooshmobile") dominated most of the month in 1967. Leading a race-high 171 laps, Jones was on his way to a second victory in the all-conquering turbine. However, a tiny part broke in the last few laps and denied him victory.
No matter, though. The speed was more than apparent and Granatelli brought the turbines back in 1968, hoping to seal the deal. Relatively arbitrary limits were set for them in 1967, with USAC tightening the rules for air intake in 1968. But, Granatelli still fielded three "wedge" turbine cars.
Once again, they seemed poised for victory, with Joe Leonard holding the lead late in the race. But just like the year prior, reliability was their downfall and the cars for Leonard and teammate Art Pollard lurched on lap 191. Each had snapped a fuel pump drive shaft.
Though not always reliable, the turbine cars were fast. In fact, they were too fast. USAC reduced the air intake allowance even further in 1969, putting an end to the turbine engine at Indianapolis. Some say the engine was "ruled to death.” Indianapolis has seen its share of innovation, but few car designs and rule decisions elicit as much debate and argument as the gas turbine cars Andy Granatelli produced.
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