Here’s an awesome, in-depth newsreel feature on the 1955 Indianapolis 500 in bright and beautiful color.     

This film comes to us courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society, which is only appropriate as the winning car in the 1955 race was owned by the well-regarded Oklahoma businessman John Zink. The industrialist was only 23 years old when he entered his first car at Indy in 1952, and he had a car in the lineup every year through 1967, winning twice. For his first win in 1955, Zink’s team featured a sharp young mechanic named AJ Watson, who would soon become known in his own right as a leading car constructor.

Zink’s winning driver in 1955 was the popular Bob Sweikert, who also won the National Championship that season. Sadly,  Sweikert was killed the following year in a brutal sprint car crash in Salem, Indiana. Indy was marked by tragedy as well in 1955, as two-time winner Bill Vukovich was killed in a multi-car crash on lap 57. The newsreel provides extended, unblinking coverage of the gruesome event.

That unfortunate aspect aside, the film is full of wonderful historic moments. If you’re a fan of the Speedway, you’ll find countless compelling images here. Please enjoy.