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.”