REBORN
After an exhaustive restoration
process, Team Penske recently
unveiled one of the most unique
pieces of its history, a customized 1972
International Fleetstar truck known
in racing circles as "The Blue Hilton."
The truck was one of the first known
enclosed transporters used for racing
purposes. It served the team in various
capacities from 1972 to 1983. With
more than 8,000 man hours invested,
the restoration is complete down to
the smallest detail, including authentic
PPG paint and hand lettering.
The Blue Hilton helped change the
landscape of auto racing, as it was the
precursor to today's impressive closed
transporters that carry cars, parts and
equipment to racetracks all over the
globe. It was aptly named the Blue
Hilton based on its royal blue exterior
and the sleeper area above the cab,
which is a standard feature in today's
transporters.
Initially, the Blue Hilton will be
on display at the Team Penske
headquarters in Mooresville, N.C.,
where fans can view it from the
Fan Walk that runs the length of
the massive shop floor.
THE BLUE HILTON
42