There's an Indy 500 winner up for auction, and you want it

We’re used to flagging up cool auction cars here on Top Gear. Just in case you’ve got piles of cash knocking around that you’re keen to spend, naturally.

Well here’s your chance to own an Indianapolis 500 winning IndyCar. Introduced to the circuit in 2012, IndyCar Chassis Dallara DW12-057 won the 2014 race at the hands of Ryan Hunter-Reay.

A fun thing to own, then. But that’s not the most intriguing thing about this auction lot. The Andretti Autosport chassis is still active, with at least three more seasons ahead of it (and Hunter-Reay).

But rather than twiddle thumbs and wait for your car to be dropped into your climate controlled garage - with its 2014 winning livery and aero kit restored - you’ll also get a backdoor route into playing IndyCar team boss.

The car comes with VIP entry to the garage, pits and team hospitality, presumably so you can keep a watchful eye over your car - and Hunter-Reay - as you eagerly await it entering your possession.

It’s being auctioned by Gooding & Company, and the rather unique haul is among (no doubt many) celebrations of the 100^th running of the Indy 500, which takes place at the end of the May.

“Millions of fans around the world witnessed a legendary finish in 2014 as Ryan claimed victory and became the first American in eight years to win the Indy 500,” said Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The chance to own Ryan’s winning car, an iconic piece of racing history, is a priceless opportunity.”

Only, there is a price. A rather large one, in fact: the auction estimate is $600,000-750,000, so around half a million quid.

If you’re feeling plucky (and rich), get exercising your nodding muscles in time for January 29, when the Scottsdale auction it’s a part of kicks off in Arizona.

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