The car described below is a restoration/recreation using as many original and era correct parts as possible. All mechanical components are either rebuilt or refurbished to new. NOTE: this is an actual real and authentic dirt oval race car from the 1930's. documentation beyond the description below can be verified. A complete rebuild and step by step documented restoration is available. many photos are available to show the internals and the build. Best offer will take this to your collection or race track
Some time back a wizard I know had acquired an early T race car that had been crushed by a tractor and left abandoned in a ditch. The original frame has been straightened and some body parts remade as they were twisted and severely misshapen and flattened. There was a dropped front axle and a partial rear end but no engine. Only the cowl section was a salvageable bit. This car gave me the “pattern and dimensions” to construct and replicate without further destroying the original, and as it was quite far gone; it would not have had much left if restored. That “pile” of bits was the real start.
This original car was used generally as a pattern and its historical significance was not to be altered due to the safety upgrades that have been incorporated, such as frame replacement, disc brakes and suspension modifications and modern methods and components as required .This is truly a race car with a model T speedster heritage.
A new stronger Frame has been fabricated from 2 X 3 .125 tubing incorporating an original front and rear cross member. The front axle is stock model T with a “laurel type” lowering bracket. Original race cars of the era used a split wishbone but we have a 4 link front axle assembly using the same brackets. The front spring is stock T but placed behind and below the axle. Disc brakes are incorporated on the stock spindles and rack and pinion steering are safety upgrades,. The rear end is a rebuilt stock T with bronze thrust bearings and full floating hubs. The spring has been placed in front and lowered on the spring perches that normally would be on top. Disc brakes are also fitted to the rear backing plates. Wheel base is 88 inches, drive shaft shortened 24 Inches lowered suspension front and rear. 4 wheel disc brakes, from a Kawasaki ninja 600 are fitted on all corners , wilwood master cylinder, adjustable brake proportioning valve located under floorboards, rare Hartford shocks (original and rebuilt/ restored on rear end.) Split wishbone torque tube rear axle, and driveline.
The heart of the beast is a highly modified 1927 model T engine with an estimated 100 HP. The engine was line bored to install a model “A” crankshaft with insert bearings, new cast main bearing caps made. Rear main cap is cast in bronze to also act as a thrust surface. Main rod bolts are ‘relieved “, to clear the insert bearings. Crankshaft counterbalanced and drilled for full pressure oiling. Shell bearing Model “A” rods are fitted with EGGE pistons with the total assembly machined and balanced. Crank and cam are fitted with modern seals. The flywheel is a cut down T unit and a rebuilt stock T starter spins it over. The camshaft is also model A with a full race grind from Jim Breirley of Temecula ca. As the cam lobes are higher than the bearings the bore is notched to allow the cam to enter the block. New brass gears are mounted on the timing end and the cam has been degreed. A totally rebuilt overhead valve Chevrolet head is adapted to the block with one off intake and exhaust manifolds fabricated. A Frontenac valve cover tops it off. An upgraded /rebuilt/with seals, original water pump is incorporated and a new polished aluminum radiator with an electric fan is installed. Twin Stromberg 97 carbs provide the fuel.
Inside the transmission is a modified Volkswagen oil pump fitted to the end of the camshaft putting out 60 PSI oil pressure. The transmission is rebuilt with a “jack rabbit/ watts clutch and a third main ball bearing end cap. Timing and ignition is through a rare/early Bosch front drive and side mounted magneto converted at present to a distributor set up. As a stock T engine is of the splash type of oiling this engine is fitted with an extensive internal and external plumbing system feeding the mains and rods as well as the cam bearings and valve cover and rockers. The 4 port exhaust system flows through a stainless steel “merge collector” into a straight through pipe down the side.
Gas tank, battery and fuel pump are located inside the rear body. Steering wheel has a Racing type quick change, button to remove it but sorry no seatbelts. Gauge pack is oil pressure, water temp and an ammeter. The speedometer is an aircraft ‘air speed indicator” and a false pitot tube is fitted for conversational and humorous effect along with a fax gas pressure pump for an era correct look.
Body is formed of aluminum over an aluminum framework with the rear section behind the seat being made of fiberglass. In order to form the one piece cowl an English wheel proved difficult and the metal was then beaten over a wooden “buck”. Non era correct decals were added to liven up the visual appeal. Wire wheels are 1926-27 T and new tires are recommended to be fitted.
The small two axle trailer is purpose built for the car and built smaller than a regular car trailer to not detract from the vehicle. It is included in the sale.
This being a race car it does not have a title and at present is not street legal. Depending on your location, fitting of lights, fenders and a few other minor items one could get it on the road as a model T speedster. While it is built for speed a suitable driver (Someone who believes himself to be immortal) would be recommended. Remember no seat belts, no roll bar, no worry…
