Rare 1980s Penske Indycar Up for Auction Soon

Penske PC-16 from 1987 CART season goes under the hammer in Donington Auction

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A rare 1980s Team Penske Indycar, the Penske PC-16 raced during the 1987 CART World Series, is currently available for bidding through Donington Auctions as part of the sale of the late Alan Hamilton's extensive collection. The car has an interesting history, including being abandoned by Penske during the Indianapolis 500 that year due to performance issues, before later being driven by Al Unser to victory at Indy in a different chassis.

Why it matters

The Penske PC-16 is a prized collectible for racing fans and collectors, as it represents an important piece of Penske and Indycar history from the 1980s. The car's journey after its retirement from active competition, including its restoration, adds to its appeal and historical significance.

The details

The 1987 season proved difficult for Team Penske, with the decision to abandon the PC-16 chassis during the Indianapolis 500 due to performance issues. However, the car continued to race in several road and street circuit events later that year, driven by Rick Mears. After its retirement, the car was owned by sponsor Pennzoil and later Penrite before being acquired by Alan Hamilton, who commissioned a thorough restoration.

  • The Penske PC-16 raced during the 1987 CART World Series.
  • The car was abandoned by Penske during the Indianapolis 500 in 1987.
  • Al Unser won the Indy 500 that year in a different chassis, the March 86C.
  • Rick Mears drove the PC-16 in four road and street circuit events after Indy.
  • The Hamilton collection auctions are set to conclude on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Team Penske

An American professional racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and other motorsport events.

Penske PC-16

A race car chassis used by Team Penske in the 1987 CART World Series.

Al Unser

A veteran Indycar driver who won the 1987 Indianapolis 500 in a March 86C chassis after replacing the injured Danny Ongais in the Penske PC-16.

Rick Mears

An American racing driver who drove the Penske PC-16 in four road and street circuit events after the Indianapolis 500 in 1987.

Alan Hamilton

The late owner of the extensive collection, including the Penske PC-16, that is being auctioned off by Donington Auctions.

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What’s next

The Penske PC-16 is listed as Lot 2 in the Hamilton collection auctions, which are set to conclude on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Given the car's rarity, historical significance, and restored condition, it is expected to attract considerable attention from collectors and racing enthusiasts worldwide.

The takeaway

The upcoming auction of the Penske PC-16 provides a unique opportunity for collectors and racing fans to own a piece of Indycar history from the 1980s. The car's journey, including its abandonment by Penske during the Indy 500 and subsequent victories in other chassis, adds to its appeal and historical value.