More than 80,000 spectators watched as a 40-car field took off in what has become known as “the greatest spectacle in racing” on 30 May 1911—the first Indianapolis 500. Johnny Aitken led the first lap in a National, and David Bruce-Brown dominated the first half of the race in a Fiat. Ray Harroun, who had come out of retirement after winning the 1910 National Championship, eventually caught and passed him. Harroun was driving a custom-built racing car for Marmon dubbed the Wasp for its bright yellow, taper-tailed bodywork and the “sting” of its performance. Harroun finished the race in the Wasp, averaging 74.6 mph and taking over seven hours to complete the 500 miles. Today, Harroun’s legendary vehicle, the only Wasp ever built and the winner of the inaugural Indy 500, resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

This incredible evocation of that iconic car took more than 19,000 hours over many years to complete. Beginning in the 1980s, the builder, Jerry Vincentini, received permission to measure in exact detail the dimensions of the 1911 Wasp exhibited in Indianapolis. Along with a machinist friend, the duo set about creating this meticulous tribute to the original car while fabricating over 1,500 custom-built parts.

A 1929 Nash “Advanced Six” six-cylinder engine and transmission were chosen to power the vehicle. The twin-plug engine features six spark plugs in the head and six spark plugs in the block. It is fitted with dual ignition and twin fuel pumps and is used in combination with a 1929 Nash three-speed manual transmission. A 1917 Nash frame and axles underpin the vehicle, and it is equipped with four-wheel brakes, including an emergency brake.

Remarkably, it is also street-legal, as it is fitted with lights, turn signals, and a speedometer in order to drive on public roads. It is also equipped with a rearview mirror, as the original car was among the first to be fitted with one. Mr. Vincentini indicated that the car would be capable of speeds up to 80 mph. It was shown numerous times in his ownership and has many awards to its credit, including the Augie Duesenberg Award at the former Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Concours d’Elegance.

While the original Marmon Wasp is a permanent part of Indianapolis 500 history, offered here is a unique opportunity to acquire the only available tribute to that legendary Speedway icon.