- 1968 Gurney Westlake Eagle at Lyon Air Musuem. Text & Photo: Royce Rumsey

Eagles on the Flightline

Historic Gurney Eagles fly at the Vintage Racing exhibit at the Lyon Air Musuem

3y ago
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The 1968 and 1972 Eagles were two of a handful of most significant rear-engined Indycars. Both car platforms set performance records and standards that have become ledendary.

The '68 Eagle won its debut race in 1968 (Bobby Unser, Eagle/Offy) and the ’72 debuting Eagle/Offy became the most popular Indy car of its era. The Roman Slobodynskyi design, with its McLaren M16 inspiration redefined the design of Indycars and significantly increased both the speed and safety of Indycar racing.

500hp 5ltr pushrod Westlake V8 pushed the '68 Eagle to over 210MPH.

500hp 5ltr pushrod Westlake V8 pushed the '68 Eagle to over 210MPH.

1968 Gurney Westlake Eagle dash

1968 Gurney Westlake Eagle dash

Eugenia Kuzmina takes a break from mechanic duties with the '68 Gurney Eagle

Eugenia Kuzmina takes a break from mechanic duties with the '68 Gurney Eagle

Eugenia is rightfully proud to be next to the legendary '68 Gurney Westlake Eagle

Eugenia is rightfully proud to be next to the legendary '68 Gurney Westlake Eagle

Eagle #7203 No. 48 Mystery Eagle made it’s debut in 1972 with Jerry Grant at the wheel.and was restored to become #7230 in 2008 and is now on display at the Vintage Racing Exhibition along with the ’68 Westlake Eagle at the Lyon Air Museum.

1972 "Mystery Eagle" Jerry Grant livery

1972 "Mystery Eagle" Jerry Grant livery

Cockpit of Jerry Grant's 1972 "Mystery Eagle"

Cockpit of Jerry Grant's 1972 "Mystery Eagle"

Euguenia Kuzmina is all ready to assist in getting the '72 "Mystery Eagle" out of the pits...

Euguenia Kuzmina is all ready to assist in getting the '72 "Mystery Eagle" out of the pits...

Both of these significant Indycars were graced by supermodel/actress Eugenia Kuzmina at the start of the Exhibition.

Cars: Gurney Family Trust, Model: Eugenia Kuzmina, styling: Royce Rumsey, MUAH: Rene Gonzales, Photography: Royce Rumsey Photo Assist: Ashe Cole

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Comments (3)

  • Absolutely stunning work Royce!

      3 years ago
    • Thanks Ben! Always appreciative of your kindness!

        3 years ago
  • Amazing shots

      3 years ago
3