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Massey Quiz Time #2

What does this picture have to do with Massey Harris, Massey Ferguson, or Ferguson?

I might have to rule out Mr. Farnworth on this one, since one of the players grew up only about 35 miles from him!!

I am sure he can add to the story once you figure it out!!

GTE
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RE:Massey Quiz Time #2

Would this be the car with the "Ferguson Formula four-wheel drive system coupled to a reduction gear system for a revolutionary INDY Race car"?

(From: www.Studebaker-info.org/Indy/turbine.htm)



RE:Massey Quiz Time #2

Gary,

Is this an updated version of the picture  hanging on Jule's Wall? I noticed hers is # 7 and this is #9....

Joe
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RE:Massey Quiz Time #2


The picture is the 1964 Andy Granatelli  Studebaker / STP Special #9 powered by  the Novi V8 and Ferguson-made 4-wheel drive chassis driven by Bobby Unser.   It was the first 4-wheel drive race car at the Indianapolis 500 in the modern era.  Some records say otherwise but Unser qualified #22 and finished #32 completing only one lap before being taken out by the fiery MacDonald crash coming out of turn 4 that killed both Dave MacDonald and Eddie Sachs.
 
In 1965 Unser did better starting #19 and finishing #8 after an oil fitting took him out on lap #69.  Ferguson had made a second chassis for the 1965 race.
 
The #9 STP Special was the last Novi powered car and is currently owned and on display at the Motorsports all of Fame Museum in Daytona, Florida.
 
If you noticed I mentioned the car had a Ferguson made chassis.  Yes- Harry Ferguson!!
 
I had the opportunity to hear Donald Davidson, Indy 500 historian, speak recently at our local Rotary Club.  Someone asked about the 1964 Novi powered car driven by Bobby Unser and Mr. Davidson goes into the story about the Ferguson chassis and the first 4-wheel drive race car at Indy!!  After that, I took the opportunity to visit with him one-on-one and gathered more information.
 
One of the individuals Mr. Davidson mentioned in the development of the 4-wheel drive system was Major Tony Rolt.  Rolt was on the development team put together by racing enthusiast Harry Ferguson to prove 4 wheel drive cars were safe and useful.  The best way to prove that fact was on the track. 
 
The team ultimately developed what was later to become the world’s only Formula 1 winning four wheel drive car – Project 99 or P99.
 
Once Granatelli, saw the success of the P99, he brought Rolt to Indy to develop what would be known as the Ferguson chassis.
 
Major Rolt was a very special person.  I encourage you to (in fact - you must!!) Google “Major Tony Rolt” or the ”Colditz *****,”  a WWII glider. A phenomenal individual !!
 
Another trivia note is the fact Major Tony Rolt grew up less than 35 miles from our own John Farnworth.  I am sure between the Ferguson race cars and Major Rolt, John could write another book just on that combined connection.

RE:Massey Quiz Time #2


Joe,
 
I did see the pics on Julie’s wall but I am not sure it was the Formula 1 P99.
Here is a pic of the P99 #1 being driven by Graham Hill.
 
“…Ferguson Formula four wheel drive system was widely adopted by rally cars and the motor industry worldwide in the form of the viscous coupling developed by Rolt. Although designed as a racing car P99 was also a research vehicle intended to show the advantages and reliability of the four wheel drive system. What better way to generate public interest than to successfully race a car using the Ferguson Formula four wheel drive’…”

"...The P99 was run under the banner of Rob Walker Racing and became the only 4WD car to win a Formula One race, when in the hands of Stirling Moss it won the 1961 Oulton Park Gold Cup. The car was also the last front-engined car ever to win a F1 race..."
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RE:Massey Quiz Time #2

Gary,

The origins and nature of the Ferguson-Rolt connection are documented in "Harry Ferguson Inventor and Pioneer" which I lsited in the book thread.

Where did he live?  I might know the area.

John

RE:Massey Quiz Time #2

Hi John,

Thanks for the reference back to the book  Not being very vered in the Ferguson side of things, I need to take some time and get up to speed with the Ferguson world!!  As I stated in my post I did not even know Ferguson had a connection to the Indy 500 so it was very interesting  to dig in and find a little more about how it was all connected!!

Here is information about Rolt and his upbringing as it was listed in his obituary.  With a little help from Google Maps, I determined he lived not too far from you!!

Rolt was born at Bordon, Hampshire, and brought up at St Asaph in Wales.



RE:Massey Quiz Time #2

Gary,
 
Yes I know St Asaph well – the town is not too far from that beautiful white church/cathedral that you pass on the main A55 road – on the LHS going to Manchester.
 
I believe that the current “Ferguson company” still markets its 4WD systems.  This is the badge for vehicles that are so fitted.  It was very kindly given to me by the Ferguson family museum on the Isle of Wight when I visited some years ago
 
John
 
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