1972 Parnelli VPJ-1

This 1972 Parnelli VPJ-1 is chassis 102 and is one of four chassis built for the 1972 Indycar season by Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing, and one of two chassis used by Joe Leonard during the 1972 Indycar season. Designed by the famed Lotus designer Maurice Philippe this car was built during the winter of 1971-72 at the shops of Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing in Torrance, CA under the guidance of chief mechanic George Bignotti and co-chief Johnny Capels. The VPJ-1 incorporated many innovations such as modular construction and rising-rate pull rod suspension - which became commonplace a decade later in Indy cars.

The VPJ-1 was first raced at Trenton, NJ in April 1972 where it employed unique dihedral wings that were replaced later with conventional front and rear wings. Joe Leonard started 6th at Indy, finishing a very competitive 3rd, one spot behind Al Unser, Sr. in a sister VPJ-1. Joe would go on to win races during the season at Michigan, Milwaukee and Pocono securing his second consecutive USAC national driving championship in 1972.

Chassis 102 has been verified by John Capels the original crew chief for Joe Leonard during the 1972 season. Chassis 102 was extensively damaged during a late-season Firestone tire test caused by a right front suspension failure. The car incurred heavy damage to the right front area and during the restoration process, it was discovered the tub showed signs of repair on the right side. John Capels and his crew attempted to repair the car in time for the season-ending race at Phoenix but ran out of time and a backup Viceroy car was quickly painted in Samsonite colors and run at the last race of the season. Chassis 102 was acquired along with pieces of the damaged car. This, as well as indications of the tub having once been an assembled vehicle used in competition, were key to fully understanding the history of the car.