The first rear/mid engine car to compete in the Indianapolis 500 was the AWD Gulf-Miller 6 driven by George Bailey in 1939. He came in 26th after dropping a valve.

The last front engine car to compete in the Indianapolis 500 was the RWD Mallard-Offenhauser 4 driven by Jim Hurtubise in 1968. He came in 30th after burning a piston.