1974 Shadow DN4
In 1974 Jackie Oliver became the Cam-Am champion driving one of these DN4 Shadows. It replaced the DN2 of 1973, and kept the same basic engineering. The DN4 was particularly suited to embrace the fuel restrictions that limited overall fuel consumption to 37 gallons. The DN4 was so good in this category only George Follmer in another DN4 could challenge Oliver.
George said “There’s no substitute for horsepower, but chassis-wise the DN4 pointed in well and was very predictable. And because frontal area was so small, it was fast in a straight line. It was an extremely good race car”
The DN4 was built with typcial Cam-Am engineering of the period. The Semi-monocoque chassis was riveted together from aluminum was covered by a thin fiberglass body. The engine was sourced from Chevrolet and produced anywhere from 735 to 800 bhp.
Main competition came from Brian Redman and his Porsche 917/30KL, but that didn’t stop Jackie Oliver from winning the first four races outright.
Bonham’s Auction
At their Important Sale of Collectors’ Motorcars and Automobilia on 18 Aug 2006 at the Quail Lodge Resort, Bonhams sold the only Chassis no. DN4-2A for $381,000 inclusive of Buyer’s Premium. It was described as “IThis beautifully presented car, evidently concours-prepared before its long yet pampered duty on display within the Rosso Bianco museum at Aschaffenburg, is accompanied by a Bill of Sale, dated August 9, 1987 from Thomas Frederick to Peter Kaus.
Mr Peter Kaus confirms that he bought this car from Mr Don Nichols on the expressed understanding that this was the DN4 chassis driven by Jackie Oliver to win the 1974 CanAm Championship title.”
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Santa Ana, California, USA |
| engineers | Tony Southgate |
| production | 3 |
| predeccesor | 1972 Shadow DN2 |
| engine | Chevrolet 90º V8 |
| position | Front, Logitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | All-Aluminum |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 7439 cc / 454 in³ |
| power | 548.1 kw / 735 bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| specific output | 98.8 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Fiberglass Body over Aluminum Semi-Monocoque Tub |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| transmission | Hewland 4-Speed Manual |
| fuel capacity | 170.33 litres or 45 gal. |
| key drivers | Jackie Oliver, George Follmer |
| race victories | 1974 Mosport, 1974 Watkins Glen, 1974 Atlanta, 1974 Mid-Ohio |
Auction Sales History
1908 Simplex 50 Speedcar Roadster – sold for $1,900,000
New aluminum crankcase. New pistons, rings, bearings, crank. Rare 27 inch hat box compartment inside spare tires. Current restoration just completedAuction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1974 Shadow DN4 Can-Am DN4-4A – did not sell for
1974 AVS UOP Shadow DN4-4A Can-Am, 1 of 5 built. Original fuel-injected 494/800 HP Chevrolet big block V-8. Engine recently serviced by Slade Racing Engines. Hewland 4-speed manual gearbox. Aluminum semi-monocoque tub, fiberglass body panels. 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes. Mosport World Sports Car Championship race, August 22, 1976. Qualified by Jackie Oliver on pole at 1:15.320, won race. Always maintained as original. Offered by AVS Shadow creator Don Nichols. Possibly the most well preserved original Can-Am car in existence. Sold on bill of sale.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
